Manager Policy Planning

Nelson City Council; Nelson; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson City Council in New Zealand is seeking an experienced planning leader to head its policy planning function at a pivotal moment in resource management reform. You will guide the transition to the new planning system, shape long‑term growth direction, and ensure planning frameworks are current and evidence‑based.

This role is office‑based, requires steady leadership of a talented team, and will build alignment across iwi, neighbouring councils and central government, delivering robust,

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in planning, environmental management or public policy.
• Deep knowledge of NZ planning legislation and the resource management reform programme.
• Strong sector networks across councils, central government and professional bodies.
• Proven leadership experience in complex policy or planning environments.
• Excellent communication skills, including translating technical matters for non-technical audiences.
• Confidence navigating ambiguity and leading through change.

Responsibilities

• Lead Council's policy planning function through major legislative reform.
• Provide steady, values-led leadership to a talented team navigating significant change.
• Drive Council's strategic response to resource management reform and transition planning.
• Build alignment across neighbouring councils, iwi, central government and key partners.
• Oversee development and implementation of land use and environmental policy frameworks.
• Integrate climate risk, natural hazards and sustainable growth considerations into planning.
• Provide clear, balanced advice to elected members and senior leaders.

Skills

Policy leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Education

Tertiary qualification in planning or related

Job description

Shaping our future | Kōmiria te anamata

Nelson City Council is undertaking one of the most significant local government transformations in New Zealand. Through Shaping Our Future, we’re organising ourselves around the people and communities we serve, getting clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the years ahead. We’re also working more closely with iwi, neighbouring councils and other partners to deliver better outcomes for Whakatū Nelson. Our new structure is in place, and we’re now recruiting for the roles that will bring it to life.

You’ll be part of a new integrated unit bringing science, environmental policy, planning and climate resilience together, so robust evidence and practical, cost-effective choices shape Nelson’s future.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

This is a rare opportunity to lead Council’s policy planning function at one of the most significant moments in New Zealand’s resource management history. This role leads Council’s environmental policy and planning function, guiding the transition to the new planning system, shaping long‑term growth direction, and ensuring Nelson’s planning frameworks remain current, evidence‑based and aligned with community priorities. The role is primarily office-based.

You will:

• Lead Council’s policy planning function through major legislative reform.
• Provide steady, values‑led leadership to a talented team navigating significant change.
• Drive Council’s strategic response to resource management reform and transition planning.
• Build alignment across neighbouring councils, iwi, central government and key partners.
• Oversee development and implementation of land use and environmental policy frameworks.
• Integrate climate risk, natural hazards and sustainable growth considerations into planning.
• Provide clear, balanced advice to elected members and senior leaders.

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You’re an experienced planning leader who stays steady and clear when the ground is shifting. You’re collaborative by nature and believe working alongside other councils, iwi and partners delivers better outcomes than any one organisation can achieve alone. You’re well connected across the national planning network, confident in a politically aware environment, and you can turn complex planning matters into accessible advice. Above all, you build trust and bring out the best in your people.

You’ll bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in planning, environmental management or public policy.
• Deep knowledge of NZ’s planning legislation and the resource management reform programme.
• Strong sector networks across councils, central government and professional bodies.
• Proven leadership experience in complex policy or planning environments.
• Excellent communication skills, including translating technical matters for non‑technical audiences.
• Confidence navigating ambiguity and leading through change.