Senior Planning Leader for City Growth & Strategy

RMLA; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Two wellbeing days

Health insurance

Annual leave purchase option

Eye care reimbursement

Discounts on local services

Free annual health checks

Job summary

Hamilton City Council is seeking a Principal Planner to lead and mentor a team within Urban & Spatial Planning. You will guide high-profile projects, shape District Plan initiatives, support fast-track developments, and advise on reforms while aligning with council priorities and community outcomes.

The role requires a strong leadership presence, extensive NZ planning experience, and the ability to navigate complex policy environments with council stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Resource Management, Urban Design or related discipline.
• Full NZPI membership.
• At least 10 years' planning and resource management experience, preferably within New Zealand.
• Extensive knowledge of the Resource Management Act and associated legislation.
• Proven experience leading and delivering complex planning projects.
• Experience representing organisations in the Environment Court and planning hearings.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing skills.
• High levels of political awareness and strategic thinking.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and developing planning professionals.
• Sound project management, risk management and financial oversight capability.

Responsibilities

• Providing expert technical leadership across complex planning projects and programmes.
• Leading multidisciplinary planning initiatives from concept through to implementation.
• Mentoring and developing planners to support capability growth and professional excellence.
• Providing strategic planning advice to Team Leaders, Unit Directors, elected members and stakeholders.
• Preparing high-quality reports, planning assessments, submissions, affidavits and Environment Court evidence.
• Representing Council in hearings, appeals and planning proceedings.
• Supporting the transition to, and implementation of, the new Planning Act and Natural Environment Act.
• Providing planning expertise across the new resource management system and the Resource Management Act while it remains applicable, alongside major plan change programmes.
• Building strong relationships with internal teams, government agencies, consultants, developers and community stakeholders.
• Managing consultant and supplier relationships to deliver quality outcomes and value for money.
• Identifying emerging planning trends and opportunities to strengthen Hamilton's future growth and development.

Skills

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning

NZPI membership

Job description

Hamilton City Council is seeking a Principal Planner to lead and mentor a team within Urban & Spatial Planning. You will guide high-profile projects, shape District Plan initiatives, support fast-track developments, and advise on reforms while aligning with council priorities and community outcomes.

The role requires a strong leadership presence, extensive NZ planning experience, and the ability to navigate complex policy environments with council stakeholders and regulatory bodies.