Tokai Manuhiri - Experience Lead, 2IC - Galleries

At Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington, we lead Wellington in remarkable experiences. We offer incredible audience experiences across our six sites: Te Whare Toi City Gallery Wellington, Nōku Te Ao Capital E, Te Waka Huia o Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho Wellington Museum, Te Ara Whanui ki te Rangi Space Place, Cable Car Museum, and Nairn Street Cottage.

We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and support tāngata whenua as kaitiaki.

Te āhua o te tūranga | The nature of the position

Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington is seeking a Tokai Manuhiri | Experience Lead to champion exceptional visitor engagement across our front of house team for Te Whare Toi City Gallery Wellington. Reporting to the Kāiarahi Wheako Manuhiri | Manager, Visitor Experience – Galleries; This role ensures every interaction reflects our values, from gallery floors to curated events, and sets the standard for service excellence.

At Wheako Pōneke, we create experiences that connect, resonate, and endure. As Experience Lead, you’ll shape the visitor journey across the gallery, ensuring our spaces are vibrant, safe, and full of meaningful engagement.

This role is full-time at City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi starting August 2026. Working closely with the current Manager – Galleries on a roster-basis up to the City Gallery Wellington opening October 2026, at which time the roster pattern may shift to include a weekend day, e.g. Tuesday - Saturday. We’ll be shortlisting and interviewing potential candidates before the closing date. Apply now and help us bring magic to every moment.

Tā mātou e kimi nei | Our ideal candidate will:

• Champion hosting: Maintain high standards of supervision and ensure kaimahi are visible, engaged, and actively present in our visitor spaces.

• Empower the team: Drive onboarding, training, and coaching so staff deliver confident, inclusive, and accurate content.

• Foster collaboration: Work closely with site and visitor experience managers to align daily operations with organisational goals.

• Lead the front of house experience: Oversee front-of-house delivery, tours, and activations that bring our stories to life.

• Embed safety and wellbeing: Promote a zero-harm culture and ensure compliance with health and safety practices.

Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako | The essential skills and experience for the role

• Strong leadership presence with a collaborative, supportive style.

• Detail-oriented and committed to operational excellence.

• A confident communicator passionate about public engagement and storytelling.

• Confidence leading dynamic teams on the floor in a public-facing environment.

• Commitment to a full-time role, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as and when required.