Lead Urban Planner & Growth Strategist

Hamilton City Council; Waikato; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Professional development

Two wellbeing days

Unimed health insurance

Annual health checks

Additional annual leave

Eye care support

Local discounts

Job summary

Hamilton City Council is seeking a senior planning leader to guide urban and district planning initiatives across the organisation. You will provide expert technical leadership, mentor planners, and advise elected members and stakeholders on complex planning projects and interpretations of planning acts.

You will influence growth and development for New Zealand’s fastest-growing city, manage cross-functional teams, and build strong relationships with government agencies and consultants to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Resource Management, Urban Design or related discipline.
• Full NZPI membership or eligible for NZPI membership.

Responsibilities

• Providing expert technical leadership across complex planning projects and programmes.
• Leading multidisciplinary planning initiatives from concept through to implementation.
• Mentoring and developing planners to support capability growth and professional excellence.
• Providing strategic planning advice to Team Leaders, Unit Directors, elected members and stakeholders.
• Preparing high-quality reports, planning assessments, submissions, affidavits and Environment Court evidence.
• Representing Council in hearings, appeals and planning proceedings.
• Supporting the transition to, and implementation of, the new Planning Act and Natural Environment Act.
• Providing planning expertise across the new resource management system and the Resource Management Act while it remains applicable, alongside major plan change programmes.
• Building strong relationships with internal teams, government agencies, consultants, developers and community stakeholders.
• Managing consultant and supplier relationships to deliver quality outcomes and value for money.
• Identifying emerging planning trends and opportunities to strengthen Hamilton's future growth and development.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Mentoring

Stakeholder engagement

Planning expertise

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning

NZPI membership

Job description

Hamilton City Council is seeking a senior planning leader to guide urban and district planning initiatives across the organisation. You will provide expert technical leadership, mentor planners, and advise elected members and stakeholders on complex planning projects and interpretations of planning acts.

You will influence growth and development for New Zealand’s fastest-growing city, manage cross-functional teams, and build strong relationships with government agencies and consultants to