Heritage & Planning Manager — Shape Sustainable Communities

Waitaki District Council; Oamaru; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Waitaki District Council invites applications for the Heritage & Planning Manager role to lead the planning function, shape policy planning, district plan implementation, and growth initiatives for Waitaki’s communities and environment.

You will manage a high-performing team, build relationships with elected members and mana whenua, and drive innovation while ensuring sustainable growth for the district.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Planning or a related field.
• Significant experience in resource management planning (local government ideal).
• Proven people leadership and team-building capability.
• Strong knowledge of NZ planning and environmental legislation.
• Experience managing complex projects and competing priorities.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, and influencing skills.
• A collaborative, forward-thinking approach.
• NZ Driver's Licence.

Responsibilities

• Leading a high-performing team of planning professionals.
• Driving District Plan implementation and resource management planning.
• Providing strategic advice to senior leaders and elected members.
• Navigating legislative reform and positioning Council for future change.
• Supporting policy development that balances environment, economy, and community aspirations.
• Managing major planning projects, programmes, and budgets.
• Building strong stakeholder partnerships across the district and beyond.
• Championing innovation, continuous improvement, and customer-focused planning services.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Relationship management

Influencing

Collaboration

Education

Tertiary qualification in Planning or related field

Job description

Waitaki District Council invites applications for the Heritage & Planning Manager role to lead the planning function, shape policy planning, district plan implementation, and growth initiatives for Waitaki’s communities and environment.

You will manage a high-performing team, build relationships with elected members and mana whenua, and drive innovation while ensuring sustainable growth for the district.