Group Manager - Infrastructure, Planning and Regulatory (ELT)

Central Otago District Council; Alexandra; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Central Otago District Council seeks a Group Manager for Infrastructure, Planning and Regulatory to lead strategic initiatives and operational excellence. This pivotal role involves collaboration with the Executive Leadership Team to enhance community wellbeing and drive sustainable development. Candidates should possess strong leadership experience, effective communication skills, and a commitment to community-focused outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience across Council functions.
• Strong relationship and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strategic thinker with commitment to community wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision, leadership and governance to achieve strategic direction.
• Oversee management of Infrastructure, Planning and Regulatory functions.
• Advise Council on local government sector issues and legislation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic Thinking

Relationship Management

Influencing Skills

Job description

Group Manager - Infrastructure, Planning and Regulatory (ELT)

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Central Otago District Council is seeking an exceptional leader to join our Executive Leadership Team.

As Group Manager - Infrastructure, Planning and Regulatory, you will provide strategic oversight and operational excellence for a key department that plays a vital role in delivering outcomes for our communities.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will lead with vision and purpose, shaping the strategic direction of the Infrastructure, Planning and Regulatory Group and ensuring the effective delivery of core services and functions. This role is pivotal in driving innovation, fostering a high-performance culture, aligning departmental initiatives with the broader aspirations of our communities.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will collaborate across the organisation to champion contemporary practices, enhance stakeholder engagement, and contribute to integrated planning and decision making. Your leadership will be instrumental in achieving a thriving economy, a sustainable environment and a connected community.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a department with a clear mandate to enhance community well-being. You will work alongside executive colleagues to think strategically, act decisively and deliver lasting, positive impacts for Central Otago.

The Group Manager - Infrastructure, Planning and Regulatory will:

• Provide vision, leadership and governance which contributes to Council’s strategic direction as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
• Oversee the effective management of the Infrastructure, Planning and Regulatory Group and its functions to ensure resources are allocated and utilised to achieve optimal efficiency and effectiveness.
• Contribute to the leadership and strategic direction of Central Otago District Council as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT).
• Understand relevant legislation, fully informed to advise the Council on Local Government sector issues.
• Implement the vision and direction of the Council on behalf of the communities it serves, focusing on:
  • Regulatory and Planning Services
  • Infrastructure – roading, waste management and engineering services.
• Provide information, advice and support to the elected Council members, attending Council and Community Board meetings, briefings, workshops and forums as required.

Key Attributes:

• Be an effective and persuasive communicator, able to communicate the Infrastructure, Planning and Regulatory Group’s vision and goals clearly and consistently to a range of stakeholders.
• Have proven leadership experience across a range of activities related to the Council’s functions, including financial, legal, employee management, administrative and technical.
• Have strong relationship management, collaborative and influencing skills, with high levels of emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
• Strategic thinker with a strong commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing.

Apply Now

If you’re interested in learning more about what the role involves, please review the position description. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this role in confidence, please contact Louise Fleck on 021 337 780 .

Applications close Thursday 31 July 2025.

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