Highly sought-after strategy and community leadership role in one of New Zealand's most desirable and high growth locations. Opportunity to influence. Full description.

Shape the future. Lead with purpose. Deliver for community.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is seeking an experienced and influential senior leader to guide the district’s strategic direction and strengthen partnerships across the fast-growing region. This is a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact and help shape the long-term future of the communities within the Council’s area of responsibility.

Your Opportunity

As the General Manager Strategy & Community, you will lead the development and delivery of district-wide strategic planning, policy, community partnerships, and governance support. You will provide expert advice on long-term planning, legislative change, and system-wide priorities, ensuring Council remains future-focused and responsive.

A key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will help steer organisational strategy and culture, while leading the Strategy & Community Group to deliver high performance, innovation, and clear community outcomes. You will also play a central role in strengthening partnerships with iwi and hapū, ensuring Council decisions reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, and shared aspirations.

Key Role Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning, policy development, and implementation across the district.
• Provide authoritative advice to Council on strategy, reform, and long-term priorities.
• Deliver transparent, high-quality governance support for elected members.
• Build effective partnerships with iwi, hapū, central government, and community organisations.
• Lead a high-performing team and promote a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Manage operational and capital budgets with strong financial stewardship.

About You

You are a senior leader with strong experience in strategy, policy, or community development within a complex environment. Local Government experience, perhaps in planning, policy, or legal, but it may have been earlier in your career. Other sector experience is valuable as it brings an “outside perspective and understanding” to the business of Council. You will excel in navigating complexity, building relationships, and providing clarity in ambiguous situations.

In addition, you will bring:

• A strong understanding of strategic planning, policy frameworks, and legislative requirements.
• Demonstrated experience partnering meaningfully with iwi and hapū, with respect for tikanga and Te Tiriti principles.
• Proven leadership capability, with the ability to motivate teams, drive culture, and lead through change.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage confidently with governance, communities, and stakeholders.
• Strong judgement, political awareness, and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, alongside a minimum of 10 years’ experience in strategy and policy development.

Why Join Western Bay?

You’ll join a forward-thinking Council committed to community well-being, innovation, and positive change. On offer is a collaborative culture, based on whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, integrity, and care - along with the opportunity to influence long-term outcomes across the district.

If you’re motivated by purpose and driven to make a meaningful impact for communities, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of the Western Bay.

Applications Process.

Please note that TalentNow! is facilitating this recruitment through our ScreenLite service, where we assess the initial application and pass on the CVs and cover letters of qualified candidates direct to Council, who will then conduct the full interview and evaluation process. We only undertake the initial brief pre-qualification discussion, rather than the full process. So please make your submission “Council ready”!

Please submit your application by clicking on Apply and attach a CV and cover letter (both in Word) outlining why you are the best person for this role.

Feel free to reach out to Kevin Chappell, Principal Director on 029-5974739 or Amanda Scott, Consulting Director on 021-784483 for an initial discussion.

PLEASE NOTE:

This role requires knowledge of Local Government in NZ. And you must have the right to work in NZ.

Short description.

Highly sought-after strategy and community leadership role in one of New Zealand's most desirable and high growth locations. Opportunity to influence. Full description.

Shape the future. Lead with purpose. Deliver for community.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is seeking an experienced and influential senior leader to guide the district’s strategic direction and strengthen partnerships across the fast-growing region. This is a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact and help shape the long-term future of the communities within the Council’s area of responsibility.

Your Opportunity

As the General Manager Strategy & Community, you will lead the development and delivery of district-wide strategic planning, policy, community partnerships, and governance support. You will provide expert advice on long-term planning, legislative change, and system-wide priorities, ensuring Council remains future-focused and responsive.

A key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will help steer organisational strategy and culture, while leading the Strategy & Community Group to deliver high performance, innovation, and clear community outcomes. You will also play a central role in strengthening partnerships with iwi and hapū, ensuring Council decisions reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, and shared aspirations.

Key Role Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning, policy development, and implementation across the district.
• Provide authoritative advice to Council on strategy, reform, and long-term priorities.
• Deliver transparent, high-quality governance support for elected members.
• Build effective partnerships with iwi, hapū, central government, and community organisations.
• Lead a high-performing team and promote a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Manage operational and capital budgets with strong financial stewardship.

About You

You are a senior leader with strong experience in strategy, policy, or community development within a complex environment. Local Government experience, perhaps in planning, policy, or legal, but it may have been earlier in your career. Other sector experience is valuable as it brings an “outside perspective and understanding” to the business of Council. You will excel in navigating complexity, building relationships, and providing clarity in ambiguous situations.

In addition, you will bring:

• A strong understanding of strategic planning, policy frameworks, and legislative requirements.
• Demonstrated experience partnering meaningfully with iwi and hapū, with respect for tikanga and Te Tiriti principles.
• Proven leadership capability, with the ability to motivate teams, drive culture, and lead through change.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage confidently with governance, communities, and stakeholders.
• Strong judgement, political awareness, and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, alongside a minimum of 10 years’ experience in strategy and policy development.

Why Join Western Bay?

You’ll join a forward-thinking Council committed to community well-being, innovation, and positive change. On offer is a collaborative culture, based on whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, integrity, and care - along with the opportunity to influence long-term outcomes across the district.

If you’re motivated by purpose and driven to make a meaningful impact for communities, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of the Western Bay.

Applications Process.

Please note that TalentNow! is facilitating this recruitment through our ScreenLite service, where we assess the initial application and pass on the CVs and cover letters of qualified candidates direct to Council, who will then conduct the full interview and evaluation process. We only undertake the initial brief pre-qualification discussion, rather than the full process. So please make your submission “Council ready”!

Please submit your application by clicking on Apply and attach a CV and cover letter (both in Word) outlining why you are the best person for this role.

Feel free to reach out to Kevin Chappell, Principal Director on 029-5974739 or Amanda Scott, Consulting Director on 021-784483 for an initial discussion.

PLEASE NOTE:

This role requires knowledge of Local Government in NZ. And you must have the right to work in NZ.

Short description.