Senior Advisor Operations Management

Environment Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, is recruiting a proactive business advisor who will support operational governance, business planning, reporting and continuous improvement across the Operations directorate.

You will guide senior leaders with credible, timely advice, manage complex information requests, and coordinate stakeholder engagement. A tertiary qualification in business, plus 6+ years' experience in related roles, is required to succeed.

Qualifications

• At least 6 years of experience in business advisory or governance support.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience preparing executive-level reports and business documentation.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational governance and advisory support to senior leaders.
• Coordinate governance processes, action tracking, and reporting.
• Prepare high-quality reports and business documentation.
• Support business improvement initiatives and projects.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to Ngāi Tahu partnership and cultural capability.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Political awareness

Relationship building

Education

Tertiary qualification in business management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Type: Permanent | Full Time

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Job Category: Environmental Services

• Partner directly with senior managers and decision-makers
• Lead initiatives and governance support
• Influence outcomes that benefit Canterbury communities

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

The region’s evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.

Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

Council plays an important role in responding to national legislation and policy changes – this mahi is part of our operating environment and is embedded in our everyday mahi. The current proposals from central government are significant, and Council is working through the opportunities and implications. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment).

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

Reporting to the Manager Business Excellence Operations, you'll play a pivotal role supporting operational governance, business planning, reporting, projects, and continuous improvement initiatives across the Operations Directorate.

You will be a trusted advisor who can navigate complex environments, build strong relationships, and provide high-quality advice and coordination support that enables informed decision-making and successful delivery of operational priorities.

Key Accountabilities

• Provid operational advice, analysis, and recommendations to senior leaders.
• Support business improvement initiatives, projects, and operational priorities.
• Coordinate governance processes, action tracking, and reporting requirements.
• Prepare high-quality reports, briefings, correspondence, and business documentation.
• Manage complex information requests, enquiries, complaints, and LGOIMA responses.
• Build strong relationships across the organisation to enable collaboration and information sharing.
• Support effective engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to our partnership with Ngāi Tahu and supporting cultural capability across the organisation.

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Mōu │ About You

You'll be a proactive and adaptable professional who enjoys working across a broad range of activities and can confidently engage with senior leaders and stakeholders.

You are a highly credible advisor who thrives in complex environments and enjoys working alongside senior leaders. You bring sound judgement, political awareness and the ability to influence outcomes through strong relationships and trusted advice. You are comfortable navigating ambiguity, balancing competing priorities, and turning strategic thinking into practical action.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience

You’ll have a tertiary qualification in business management or a related discipline along with:

• At least 6 years' experience in business advisory, governance support, project coordination, operational planning, or business improvement roles.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience preparing executive-level reports and business documentation.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills and confidence learning new systems.
• Experience working with confidential and sensitive information.
• Knowledge of local government environments would be an advantage.

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | Working at Environment Canterbury

Our Mahi Is Underpinned By Our Values

• Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)
• Pononga (integrity)
• Manaakitanga (people first)
• Whanaungatanga (collaboration)
• Māiatanga (can do)

We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment. We value everyone’s contribution, diverse thinking, and skills.

We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work. We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey.

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.

Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can

Job Description

Job Description: