Senior Urban Planning Leader

Hamilton City Council; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work

Professional development

Wellbeing days

Health insurance

Annual leave

Job summary

Hamilton City Council is seeking an experienced planning leader to guide urban and spatial planning efforts in Hamilton, NZ. You will provide expert technical leadership, mentor planners, and shape district plan initiatives and major developments within the council-wide portfolio.

You will collaborate with Team Leaders, elected members and stakeholders to deliver high-quality reports and strategic planning advice, while ensuring compliance with RMA and upcoming legislation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Resource Management, Urban Design or a related discipline.
• Full membership with the NZPI (New Zealand Planning Institute).
• At least 10 years' planning and resource management experience, preferably in NZ.

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 the new Planning Act and Natural Environment Act.
• Providing planning expertise across the new resource management system and major plan change programmes.
• Building strong relationships with internal teams, government agencies, consultants 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.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning/Urban Design/Resource Management

NZPI membership

Job description

Hamilton City Council is seeking an experienced planning leader to guide urban and spatial planning efforts in Hamilton, NZ. You will provide expert technical leadership, mentor planners, and shape district plan initiatives and major developments within the council-wide portfolio.

You will collaborate with Team Leaders, elected members and stakeholders to deliver high-quality reports and strategic planning advice, while ensuring compliance with RMA and upcoming legislation.