Strategic Leader: Transport & Solid Waste Operations

Nelson City Council; Nelson; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing leave and health insurance

Hybrid working arrangements

Generous leave provisions

Learning and professional development

Employee benefits and discounts

Opportunities to contribute to meaning

Job summary

Nelson City Council is seeking a senior leader to drive the delivery of essential transport and solid waste services that shape Nelson’s future and improve community wellbeing. You will lead a high-performing team, ensure safe, efficient, customer-focused service delivery, and maximise value-for-money through robust contract management and data-driven decision making.

You will bring a strong operational background in transport/infrastructure or solid waste, plus financial acumen and excellent

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in civil engineering or related discipline.
• Proven experience leading high-performing teams and creating a culture of accountability, growth and collaboration.
• Strong operational leadership experience delivering transport, infrastructure or solid waste services in a complex environment.
• Track record of achieving value-for-money outcomes through effective contract, supplier and performance management.
• Sound knowledge of transport and solid waste asset lifecycle management, including planning for future service needs.
• Strong financial management skills and the ability to balance operational priorities, affordability and community expectations.
• Excellent communication skills, including experience preparing reports and presenting information to senior decision-makers.
• Ability to build productive relationships with iwi, contractors, community groups, elected members and other stakeholders.
• Commitment to customer-focused service delivery, innovation and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational roading, public transport and solid waste service delivery.
• Drive supplier, contract and performance management to maximise value-for-money, manage risk and achieve service objectives.
• Develop and inspire a skilled, adaptable team and build contract management capability across Operations Delivery.
• Oversee effective maintenance and renewal of transport and solid waste network assets using lifecycle data and service needs.
• Perform Road Controlling Authority duties, including transport regulatory processes and road closures.
• Build trusted relationships with iwi/Māori partners, residents, community groups, elected members and key stakeholders.
• Champion safety, continuous improvement, innovation and collaboration across Council.

Skills

Leadership

Contract management

Stakeholder management

Financial management

Communication

Education

Civil engineering degree

Job description

Nelson City Council is seeking a senior leader to drive the delivery of essential transport and solid waste services that shape Nelson’s future and improve community wellbeing. You will lead a high-performing team, ensure safe, efficient, customer-focused service delivery, and maximise value-for-money through robust contract management and data-driven decision making.

You will bring a strong operational background in transport/infrastructure or solid waste, plus financial acumen and excellent