General Manager
RIVERSIDE MARKET
• Dynamic, Hands-On Leadership Role – no two days are the same
• People-First, Commercial Environment – in the heart of the Ōtākaro Avon River Precinct
• Celebrate Local – champion community, culture, and collaboration
Riverside Market is a thriving, seven-day indoor market that offers a truly unique experience for locals and visitors to Christchurch. Home to nearly 100 diverse tenants – from butchers, fishmongers, and cheesemongers to boutique retailers, a cooking school, cafés, bars and restaurants – Riverside has become an award-winning icon of innovation, design, and customer experience.
Affectionately known as the “jewel in the central city’s crown”, Riverside stands as a symbol of Christchurch’s regeneration. It's more than a market – it’s a community hub that celebrates cultural diversity through live music, dance, festivals and seasonal celebrations including Matariki, Diwali, Aliwan, Pride, and Halloween.
Featured in Time Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places of 2021” and The Australian’s “Best Food Markets in the World,” Riverside is a landmark destination ready for its next chapter.
About the Role
We’re looking for a proactive, energetic, and relationship-focused General Manager to lead Riverside’s daily operations and support its future growth.
This is a diverse and rewarding leadership role with full responsibility for Riverside’s commercial performance, tenant relationships, operations, events, and community engagement. You’ll lead a small internal team and work closely with tenants, stakeholders, and the Directors to deliver on strategic and operational goals.
Key Responsibilities
This is a hands-on leadership role that blends strategic oversight with day-to-day operational management. Key areas of focus include:
Operations Management – Oversee daily operations including Riverside-owned businesses, facilities, maintenance, service contracts, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
Financial Leadership – Manage budgeting, financial planning, forecasting, and reporting, along with accounts payable/receivable and payroll oversight.
Property & Lease Management – Lead lease negotiations, renewals, and rent reviews while building strong, respectful relationships with 100+ hospitality and retail tenants.
Project Delivery – Manage improvement projects and strategic initiatives from planning through to execution.
Strategic Growth – Support the implementation of strategic plans as defined by the Directors.
Team Leadership – Develop and inspire a small operations and admin team.
Customer & Event Experience – Drive customer engagement through meaningful events and initiatives that enhance Riverside’s community feel and commercial success.
Community Representation – Be the public face of Riverside, foster media and community partnerships, and build external relationships with local groups and organisations.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a confident, composed leader who brings a strong mix of commercial savvy and emotional intelligence. You’ll be someone who can thrive in a fast-paced, people-first environment and knows how to balance business performance with community connection.
Key attributes include:
Proven leadership experience in property, retail, centre, hospitality, or operational management
Strong financial management skills including budgeting and forecasting
Experience in lease negotiation and tenant relationship management
Event planning and customer experience delivery
Calm under pressure, collaborative in nature, and clear in communication
A thoughtful decision-maker who empowers others but knows when to take the lead
If you're a commercially minded leader with a heart for community, culture, and customer experience – we want to hear from you.
Please note: Applications are open to New Zealand residents or those with the legal right to work in New Zealand.
To apply in confidence, email your application to recruitment@three-sixty.co.nz.
For confidential enquiries, contact Natalie Thain on 0272 459 535.