Programme Manager - Climate Adaptation and Natural Hazards

Thames-Coromandel District Council; Waikato; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Thames-Coromandel District Council is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to drive the Climate Adaptation and Natural Hazards programme, guiding the district through climate change, coastal hazards, flooding and long-term resilience.

You will lead a specialist team, work with iwi, communities, and government agencies, and translate strategy into practical, funded initiatives that strengthen preparedness and recovery.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in engineering, environmental science, or related discipline.
• Experience leading climate adaptation, resilience, or natural hazards programmes.
• Proven people leadership and ability to build high-performing teams.
• Strong stakeholder engagement with communities and iwi.
• Experience influencing strategic planning and decision-making.
• Knowledge of climate change science, adaptation policy, and natural hazard management.
• Strong project, contract, and budget management skills.
• Excellent communication with elected members, senior leaders, and public.

Responsibilities

• Lead Council's Climate Adaptation and Natural Hazards programme
• Drive the implementation of Shoreline Management Pathways and adaptation initiatives
• Provide strategic advice on coastal hazards, flooding, erosion and resilience planning
• Support Long Term Plan priorities through robust business cases and programme development
• Build strong partnerships with communities, Hauraki iwi, and key stakeholders
• Lead and develop a high-performing specialist team
• Champion climate adaptation, sustainability, and resilience across Council operations
• Support Council's readiness for, and recovery from, natural hazard events

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Programme management

People leadership

Coastal hazards knowledge

Budget management

Communication skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in engineering or environmental science

Job description

Are you passionate about helping communities prepare for a changing climate and building resilience for future generations?

At Thames-Coromandel District Council, we are looking for an experienced and strategic leader to drive our Climate Adaptation and Natural Hazards programme. This is a unique opportunity to lead high-impact work that will shape how our district responds to climate change, coastal hazards, flooding, natural hazard risks, and long-term community resilience.

With more than 400km of coastline and communities that value both their natural environment and coastal lifestyle, this role sits at the heart of some of the most significant challenges and opportunities facing our district.

You will

Provide strategic leadership, technical oversight, and programme management across climate adaptation, resilience, and natural hazard management for the district. You'll lead a specialist team and work closely with iwi, elected members, communities, infrastructure leaders, consultants, and government agencies to deliver practical and sustainable solutions.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Leading Council's Climate Adaptation and Natural Hazards programme
• Driving the implementation of Shoreline Management Pathways and adaptation initiatives
• Providing strategic advice on coastal hazards, flooding, erosion and resilience planning
• Supporting Long Term Plan priorities through robust business cases and programme development
• Building strong partnerships with communities, Hauraki iwi, and key stakeholders
• Leading and developing a high-performing specialist team
• Championing climate adaptation, sustainability, and resilience across Council operations
• Supporting Council's readiness for, and recovery from, natural hazard events

About you

You’ll bring a combination of strategic leadership capability, technical expertise, and a genuine commitment to community outcomes.

We’re looking for someone who has:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in engineering, environmental science, or a related discipline
• Significant experience leading climate adaptation, resilience, or natural hazards programmes
• Proven people leadership experience and the ability to build engaged, high-performing teams
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working alongside communities and iwi
• Experience influencing strategic planning and organisational decision-making
• Sound knowledge of climate change science, adaptation policy, and natural hazard management
• Strong project, contract, and budget management experience
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to engage with elected members, senior leaders, and the public.

You’ll also bring an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to strengthening relationships with Māori and supporting meaningful engagement.

Why join us?

• Meaningful work that directly influences the future of the district
• A collaborative and supportive leadership environment
• The opportunity to work on nationally significant climate adaptation challenges
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• A lifestyle location

Applications close 18 October 2026