Community Rugby Referee Manager

Date: 16 Feb 2026

Location: Auckland, NZ, 1010 Wellington, NZ, 6011

Company: New Zealand Rugby Union Incorporated

New Zealand Rugby has an exciting opportunity available. We are looking for a Community Rugby Referee Manager to join our winning team. 

 

About the role

 

The Community Rugby Referee Manager is responsible for the leadership of the Community Rugby Referee System in NZ and the execution of NZR’s Referee Development Plan. 


The role will apply subject matter expertise and a national systems level approach to the development of community referee that ensures refereeing is rewarding, effective, and creates meaningful experiences for players and participants. The role will work in collaboration with relevant NZR team members as well as support Provincial Union stakeholders in the development of their referee development plans, workforces, Rugby Referee Associations, and refereeing cohorts. The span of the role will range from transformation leadership, the provision of subject matter expertise, to the delivery of essential referee development systems, services, and support.


We are looking for someone with rugby refereeing experience and can lead and influence at a strategic level. The successful candidate will have proven experience in systems leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement. 

 

 

About Us 


At NZR we love what we do, we work hard and have fun! You’ll be joining a team of awesome people who are passionate about the game and each other, and you’ll be backed with support to thrive in your role. We know that life isn’t all about work, so we are open to flexible working options.

 
We value diversity and inclusion and are committed to improving our cultural responsiveness. We embrace and respect each other’s values and we are so proud to be Rainbow Tick certified. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. 

 

What We Offer (benefits)

 

•    Learn & Grow Your Career | Hybrid Work Options 
•    Receive Rugby Tickets | Sports Apparel | Discounts
•    Wellbeing | 5 weeks Annual Leave | Social Club

 

 

Apply Now 


If you are looking to join a fantastic group of people and think you have what it takes, then don’t delay, submit your CV and cover letter now! Don’t wait until the closing date to apply as we will be reviewing applications as we go.

 

Applications close at 5:00pm, Friday 6 March. For a copy of the position description, click here

 

>> To be considered for this position you must be legally entitled to work in Aotearoa New Zealand and obtain a clear MOJ check. 

 

 

Studies have shown that people from under-represented backgrounds, including women, are less likely to apply for roles where they don't match the job description criteria exactly. If you're excited about this role and think you have what it takes, but your experience doesn't align 100%, we still want to hear from you and would encourage you to apply.

 

Our recruitment process is fair and inclusive and we encourage our applicants to let us know if we can make it more user-friendly for them.  We value diverse perspectives and the contribution every one of our people makes to our culture.  Put simply - you can be yourself here.