Environmental Planning Manager

Western Bay of Plenty District Council; Greerton; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks annual leave

Subsidised medical insurance

Flexible work arrangements and pet‑frI

Learning and development opportunities

Wellbeing resources and workplace peer

Relocation assistance

Free onsite parking

Job summary

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is seeking a dynamic leader to head the Strategy and Community Leadership Team, guiding environmental policy, planning and monitoring as the district grows. With a tertiary qualification and at least five years in local government or a similar setting, you will lead a team of eight and drive strategic reform, including land use planning.

The role involves extensive stakeholder engagement, Te Tiriti understanding, and delivering high-quality,

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in planning, policy or resource management.
• Minimum five years’ professional experience in local government or a similarly complex operating environment.
• Solid understanding of local government legislative framework and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills for councils and public meetings.

Responsibilities

• Lead an eight-person team delivering environmental policy, planning and monitoring activities.
• Oversee District Plan reviews and spatial planning exercises to inform development.
• Provide advice and support for plan implementation and reform initiatives.
• Engage with tangata whenua and communities to reflect local voice in regional planning and the Land Use Plan replacement.
• Manage large, complex projects with strategic impact.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in planning, policy or resource management

Job description

Come and make a difference with us At Western Bay of Plenty District Council, everything we do is about making the everyday better — and helping our communities thrive, now and into the future. Western Bay is a District undergoing significant growth and transformation. From planning for future communities to delivering the infrastructure that supports them, we’re focused on getting the fundamentals right — and preparing for what comes next. We’re also focused on our people. At Western Bay, we believe in investing in and empowering our teams to grow, lead, and achieve their goals. Because when our people thrive, our communities do too. If you're motivated by making the everyday better, helping people thrive, and leaving things better than you found them — we’d love to hear from you.

The opportunity

This is a challenging and dynamic leadership role within our Strategy and Community Leadership Team. You'll join us at a pivotal time, with the opportunity to lead through significant organisational and sector change, including Resource Management reform. This role leads a team of eight in the management and delivery of Council’s environmental policy, planning and monitoring activities, including the review of the District Plan, spatial planning exercises, and the provision of advice and support for its implementation. In the transition to a new planning system, you will lead engagement with tangata whenua and community to ensure local voice can be reflected in regional spatial planning and the development of a Land Use Plan to replace Council’s District Plan. In return we will offer you the challenge of working in one of the fastest growing regions in NZ, with a wide breath, variety, and complexity of work. You will have a positive 'can-do' attitude, be highly professional, and have integrity, ability to work across multiple disciplines, all whilst creating value, high customer care and achieving outstanding results. To set you up for success, you’ll have Tertiary level qualification in planning, policy or resource management or a similar qualification that fosters strategic thinking to respond to complex issues. Minimum of five years’ professional experience in a related role within local government or a similarly complex operating environment. Sound knowledge and understanding of local government legislative framework and statutory requirements relevant to the position. Good understanding and respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Tikanga Māori and Council’s legislative obligations to Māori. Exceptional interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, including ability to talk confidently at Council and public meetings and to present information (complex and technical) to Council and other stakeholders in a variety of settings. Experience leading teams, building strong engagement and achieving quality results. Proven strategic planning skills and the ability to think strategically about complex issues and to identify and select smart solutions. Proven ability to manage large, complex projects.

What we offer

• Five weeks annual leave.
• A competitive employment package - including subsidised medical insurance.
• Flexible work arrangements and a pet friendly work environment.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Access to wellbeing resources and workplace support.
• Assistance to relocate to the area.
• Free onsite parking.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work permit.

Want to know who the Western Bay of Plenty District Council is?

It’s simple. We’re a Council of real people, just like you – and we’re here to make a real difference. Whether it’s reuniting dog owners with their lost pups, asking communities what they think of policies, responding to community emergencies, or designing playgrounds – we’re part of everyday life. In fact we provide nearly 40 services! We work hard every day to make this a great place to live for all. For our whenua. For our communities. For our people.