Climate Adaptation & Resilience Programme Lead

Thames-Coromandel District Council; Waikato; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Thames-Coromandel District Council is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to drive the Climate Adaptation and Natural Hazards programme, guiding the district through climate change, coastal hazards, flooding and long-term resilience.

You will lead a specialist team, work with iwi, communities, and government agencies, and translate strategy into practical, funded initiatives that strengthen preparedness and recovery.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in engineering, environmental science, or related discipline.
• Experience leading climate adaptation, resilience, or natural hazards programmes.
• Proven people leadership and ability to build high-performing teams.
• Strong stakeholder engagement with communities and iwi.
• Experience influencing strategic planning and decision-making.
• Knowledge of climate change science, adaptation policy, and natural hazard management.
• Strong project, contract, and budget management skills.
• Excellent communication with elected members, senior leaders, and public.

Responsibilities

• Lead Council's Climate Adaptation and Natural Hazards programme
• Drive the implementation of Shoreline Management Pathways and adaptation initiatives
• Provide strategic advice on coastal hazards, flooding, erosion and resilience planning
• Support Long Term Plan priorities through robust business cases and programme development
• Build strong partnerships with communities, Hauraki iwi, and key stakeholders
• Lead and develop a high-performing specialist team
• Champion climate adaptation, sustainability, and resilience across Council operations
• Support Council's readiness for, and recovery from, natural hazard events

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Programme management

People leadership

Coastal hazards knowledge

Budget management

Communication skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in engineering or environmental science

Job description

Thames-Coromandel District Council is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to drive the Climate Adaptation and Natural Hazards programme, guiding the district through climate change, coastal hazards, flooding and long-term resilience.

You will lead a specialist team, work with iwi, communities, and government agencies, and translate strategy into practical, funded initiatives that strengthen preparedness and recovery.