Senior Comms & Engagement Lead, Transport & Major Projects

Tauranga; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks' annual leave

Flexible working

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Tauranga City Council is seeking a senior Lead Communications & Engagement Partner for its Transport and Major Project portfolio in Tauranga. You will provide strategic communications leadership, oversee a high‑performing team and partner with project leaders to shape how communities understand and connect with major infrastructure initiatives.

You’ll work closely with project teams, senior leaders and stakeholders to turn complex projects into clear, compelling narratives, ensuring alignment

Qualifications

• Experience leading prioritisation, planning and allocation of work across a team.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement capability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound judgement to identify and manage communications risks early.

Responsibilities

• Lead communications and engagement across multiple complex, high‑profile projects.
• Provide strategic advice to project leaders and senior stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities, risks and community impacts early in the lifecycle.
• Oversee portfolio planning, prioritisation and resource allocation across the team.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of communications and engagement professionals.
• Build trusted relationships with project teams, stakeholders and community partners.
• Translate technical information into accessible content for communities.

Skills

Strategic communications

Leadership & people mgmt

Stakeholder engagement

Risk & issues mgmt

Written & verbal comms

Job description

Tauranga City Council is seeking a senior Lead Communications & Engagement Partner for its Transport and Major Project portfolio in Tauranga. You will provide strategic communications leadership, oversee a high‑performing team and partner with project leaders to shape how communities understand and connect with major infrastructure initiatives.

You’ll work closely with project teams, senior leaders and stakeholders to turn complex projects into clear, compelling narratives, ensuring alignment