Principal Advisor Council Entities & Enterprise

Nelson City Council; Nelson; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson City Council is undergoing a major local government transformation as part of Shaping Our Future. We are seeking an experienced Principal Advisor Council Entities & Enterprise to provide independent, evidence‑based advice on governance, performance and value across the Council's portfolio.

You will report to the Manager Economic Development and work with senior leaders, elected members and external partners to ensure investments deliver measurable outcomes aligned with long‑term strategic

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, business, finance, economics or a related discipline.
• Significant governance and performance oversight experience.
• Strong understanding of governance structures and Statements of Intent.

Responsibilities

• Lead oversight of Council's CCOs, CCTOs and strategic enterprise portfolio.
• Provide independent, evidence‑based advice to senior leaders and elected members.
• Develop and align Statements of Intent across the entity portfolio.
• Identify gaps and opportunities in governance, funding and delivery models.
• Develop robust performance reporting frameworks for informed decision making.
• Build relationships with boards, executives and external partners.

Skills

Governance experience

Performance monitoring

Commercial oversight

Senior advisory

Stakeholder management

Financial analysis

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Education

Public policy/public administration/finance degree

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 function strengthening evidence‑based decisions, strategic partnerships and economic outcomes for the region.

We're partnering with Beyond Recruitment in the search for an experienced and commercially astute Principal Advisor Council Entities & Enterprise. This is a unique opportunity to influence how Council oversees its investments, partnerships and entity relationships, ensuring they deliver measurable value and contribute to Nelson's long‑term strategic and economic development objectives.

Why Nelson? Why Nelson City Council?

Nelson is a region where natural beauty, innovation and opportunity come together. With a thriving economy, enviable lifestyle and strong sense of community, it is a place where people can enjoy meaningful work while making a genuine impact.

As one of New Zealand's unitary authorities, Nelson City Council delivers both city and regional functions, creating a unique environment where strategy, governance, economic development and community outcomes intersect. This role sits at the heart of those conversations, helping shape how Council works with its portfolio of entities and strategic investments to achieve the best outcomes for the region.

About the role

Reporting to the Manager Economic Development, the Principal Advisor Council Entities & Enterprise leads Council's oversight and performance management of Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs), Council Controlled Trading Organisations (CCTOs) and broader strategic enterprise interests.

This role provides independent, evidence‑based advice to senior leaders and elected members, ensuring Council's investments are delivering value, governance arrangements remain fit for purpose, and entity performance aligns with Council's long‑term strategic priorities.

Key responsibilities

• Lead Council's oversight of its CCO, CCTO and strategic enterprise portfolio.
• Monitor and assess organisational performance against Statements of Intent, KPIs and agreed outcomes.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders and elected members on governance, performance, risk and investment value.
• Lead the development, review and alignment of Statements of Intent across Council's entity portfolio.
• Identify gaps, overlaps and opportunities for improvement across governance structures, funding arrangements and delivery models.
• Provide thought leadership on the future of Council's entity governance and accountability frameworks.
• Develop and maintain robust performance reporting frameworks to support informed decision‑making.
• Build strong relationships with boards, executives and stakeholders while maintaining objective oversight and accountability.

What you’ll bring

• A relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, business, finance, economics or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in governance, performance monitoring, commercial oversight or senior advisory positions.
• Strong understanding of CCO and CCTO governance structures, accountability frameworks and Statements of Intent.
• Proven experience providing frank, evidence‑based advice to senior leaders, executives and elected members.
• Exceptional analytical capability, including the ability to interpret financial and non‑financial performance information.
• Experience assessing investment value, organisational effectiveness and service delivery outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders, boards and external partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into practical recommendations.

Interested?