Strategic and District Planning Team Leader

Thames-Coromandel District Council; Thames; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation allowance

Flexible work arrangements

Free parking

Sick leave on commencement

Job summary

Thames-Coromandel District Council is seeking a Strategic and District Planning Team Leader to guide policy planning across the district, including resource management and spatial planning. You will lead a team of planning specialists, shape the District Plan, and drive strategic initiatives with strong engagement of communities and iwi.

The role combines people leadership with technical planning, requiring a solid understanding of statutory frameworks.

Qualifications

• 7+ years experience in planning or resource management policy-related role.
• Experience leading policy, district/land use and spatial plan development.
• Proven ability to engage communities and iwi, and manage complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of planning specialists in policy and planning functions.
• Develop and implement resource management, land use policy and strategic planning initiatives.
• Provide high quality, timely advice on policy matters and engage stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic planning

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

People leadership

Education

Tertiary qualification in planning/policy or related field

Job description

Are you passionate about shaping the future of our community? Are you a dynamic and forward-thinking people leader?

Te Kaunihera Takiwā o Thames-Coromandel | The Thames-Coromandel District Council is dedicated to making a positive contribution in our communities.

We're on the lookout for a Strategic and District Planning Team Leader to guide our Council’s strategic land use policy planning functions and processes. If you're ready to make a significant impact by leading resource management policy, District Plan development, and strategic initiatives, this is your opportunity to shine.

We follow a hybrid model, with three days in the office to support collaboration, connection, and culture, while providing flexibility for focused work from home.

About the role:

This pivotal role is a mix of people management and technical planning. You'll lead a team of planning specialists, developing and implementing Council’s resource management, land use policy and strategic, spatial planning initiatives across the district, and providing high-quality, timely advice on these matters.

What We're Looking For:

To thrive in this role, you should have at least seven years’ experience in a planning or resource management policy-related position, coupled with a relevant tertiary qualification. Your proficiency in leading policy, district plan, and spatial plan development, as well as your knack for community and iwi engagement, will be instrumental in your success.

In addition to strong project management capabilities, you possess a comprehensive understanding of the legislative framework supporting the management of natural resources, and are up to speed with current proposals for change. The ability to inspire and lead others, coupled with a solid grasp of local government statutory and policy frameworks is essential. Your proven communication, analytical and critical thinking skills, combined with experience in engagement and relationship management, will prepare you well to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.

Why Join Us:

This is your opportunity to become part of a small, energetic team within a friendly, customer-focused, community-oriented organisation.

If you have a 'can do' work ethic and are eager to make a difference, now is the time to make your move to the Coromandel. Just 90 minutes from Auckland, Tauranga, and Hamilton, our District offers the best of both worlds.

• We offer competitive salaries, relocation allowance, flexible work arrangements, free parking, sick leave on commencement and more.

Applications close Sunday 23rd August 2026 at 9.00pm