Senior City Planner & Growth Lead

Hamilton City Council; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working policy

Professional development

Wellbeing days

Health insurance (Unimed)

Annual health checks

Additional annual leave

Local discounts

Job summary

Hamilton City Council is seeking a Senior Planner within the Planning Guidance Unit to shape city growth and provide expert planning guidance. The role emphasizes mentoring other planners, delivering city-forming projects, and collaborating across the Council to achieve practical outcomes for Hamilton's rapid growth.

Ideal candidates will have a planning degree, NZPI membership, 7+ years of relevant experience, and strong communication and negotiation skills to work with stakeholders,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning, resource management, or a related discipline.
• At least seven years' experience in planning and resource management.
• Extensive knowledge of relevant legislation, including the RMA and LGA.
• Membership of the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).
• Experience managing complex planning issues and high-level risk.
• Ability to interpret legislation and apply sound judgement.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation skills.
• A collaborative approach and a passion for supporting and developing others.

Responsibilities

• Processing complex and city-forming resource consent applications.
• Leading pre-application and pre-lodgement discussions with applicants.
• Providing technical leadership, mentoring and guidance to other planners.
• Reviewing complex planning assessments and reports.
• Providing expert advice on District Plan and RMA interpretation.
• Supporting planning hearings and preparing evidence where required.
• Contributing to cross-Council projects and strategic initiatives that support Hamilton's growth and development.
• Working collaboratively across Council to deliver practical and customer-focused planning solutions.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Mentoring others

Negotiation skills

Collaboration

Professional integrity

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning or related discipline

NZPI membership

Job description

Hamilton City Council is seeking a Senior Planner within the Planning Guidance Unit to shape city growth and provide expert planning guidance. The role emphasizes mentoring other planners, delivering city-forming projects, and collaborating across the Council to achieve practical outcomes for Hamilton's rapid growth.

Ideal candidates will have a planning degree, NZPI membership, 7+ years of relevant experience, and strong communication and negotiation skills to work with stakeholders,