Emergency Management Lead

Napier City Council; Napier; On-site; NZD 112,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Napier is seeking an experienced Emergency Management Lead to enhance community resilience and response effectiveness. The role focuses on developing comprehensive emergency management strategies, ensuring operational readiness, and building strong partnerships. Ideal candidates will possess a tertiary qualification in Emergency Management and over 7 years of relevant experience. The position offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits, working 40 hours per week.

Benefits

5 weeks annual leave after 2 years

Discounted Health Insurance

Retailer Discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Quarterly values awards

Free flu vaccinations

Te Reo Māori language classes

Qualifications

• 7+ years in emergency management or civil defence.
• CIMS training completed.
• Experience engaging diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of emergency management strategies.
• Ensure operational readiness for emergencies.
• Strengthen community partnerships for collaborative response.

Skills

Emergency management experience

Clear communication

Strategic planning

Collaboration skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in Emergency Management

Job description

Overview

Napier City Council is seeking an experienced and proactive Emergency Management Lead to guide our organisational resilience and readiness. This is a key leadership role focused on developing, implementing, and improving emergency management frameworks that ensure the Council — and our community — are well-prepared to respond and recover when emergencies occur.

Working closely with internal teams, iwi partners, and regional agencies, this role leads strategic planning, capability development, and response coordination across all aspects of emergency management. It’s an opportunity to make a tangible impact on community safety and wellbeing while helping shape the systems and culture that keep Napier strong.

The Opportunity

• Lead the development and delivery of comprehensive emergency management and resilience strategies aligned with national and regional frameworks.
• Oversee operational readiness, ensuring systems, resources, and staff are prepared to respond effectively to emergencies.
• Build capability through staff and volunteer training, exercises, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strengthen partnerships with iwi, community leaders, emergency services, and other councils to ensure an integrated, collaborative approach to response and recovery.

About You

• Equipped with a tertiary qualification in Emergency Management, Planning, Organisational or Community Development, and completion of CIMS training.
• Brings extensive experience (7+ years) in emergency management, civil defence, or related disciplines, including collaboration with CDEM groups and key agencies.
• Known for clear, confident communication and the ability to engage diverse audiences — from community groups and iwi to elected members and national partners.
• Strategic, calm under pressure, and committed to building capability, driving best practice, and fostering resilience across the organisation.

What we Offer

• 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years service
• Discounted Health Insurance Work Scheme + Eye Test Subsidy
• Retailer Discounts + Study assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club
• Free flu vaccinations (annual)
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent, full time role working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You will be based in Napier.

The annual salary package for this role is between $112,900-$132,800 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

Applications for this role close on 7 November 2025, however due to the highly competitive employment market we will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person. Please do not delay in making your application.

About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including drug testing, with some roles requiring health screening). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Job Description – Emergency Management Lead