Strategic Policy Lead for Growth & City Development

Hamilton City Council; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working policy

Professional development

Wellbeing days

Public health insurance

Annual health checks

Discounts at local businesses

Gym memberships

Job summary

Hamilton City Council is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor in the Strategy, Growth and Planning team to shape policies and funding strategies for Hamilton's growth. You'll undertake complex policy work, provide advice to senior leaders, and lead engagement with internal and external stakeholders, guiding projects from planning through delivery while building team capability.

This 12-month fixed-term role offers high-impact work across economics, infrastructure, and urban development, with a

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in economics, public policy, law, management, finance, or related discipline.
• At least 6 years' experience in a policy, strategy, advisory, or similar role.
• Experience working in policy, planning, infrastructure, economics, government or similar environments. Local government experience would be an advantage but is not essential.
• Proven experience providing advice on complex issues to senior leaders and decision-makers.
• Exceptional analytical, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to navigate ambiguity, balance competing priorities, and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing governance-ready reports and recommendations.
• Experience with growth funding tools, development contributions, economics, or advising elected members will be highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, review, and implementation of strategic policy initiatives.
• Provide high-quality advice to senior leaders, elected members, and stakeholders.
• Deliver complex economic, legislative, and policy analysis to support informed decision-making.
• Prepare governance-ready reports, briefings, submissions, and public-facing materials.
• Lead consultation and engagement processes with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage policy projects from planning through to delivery and implementation.
• Mentor and guide analytical work across the team, helping build organisational capability.

Skills

Economics

Public policy

Policy advisory

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Project management

Governance reporting

Ambiguity navigation

Decision support

Education

Economics degree

Public policy qualification

Job description

Hamilton City Council is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor in the Strategy, Growth and Planning team to shape policies and funding strategies for Hamilton's growth. You'll undertake complex policy work, provide advice to senior leaders, and lead engagement with internal and external stakeholders, guiding projects from planning through delivery while building team capability.

This 12-month fixed-term role offers high-impact work across economics, infrastructure, and urban development, with a