Strategic Policy Lead — Growth & Urban Development

Hamilton City Council; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working policy

Professional development

Wellbeing days (2 per year)

Health insurance through Unimed

Annual health checks and flu vaccine

Discounts at local businesses

Job summary

Hamilton City Council is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to shape growth and planning policy, drive funding solutions, and guide strategic thinking for Hamilton’s future.

You will lead policy initiatives, provide expert advice to senior leaders and elected members, and manage complex economic and legislative analyses that inform decisions impacting growth, infrastructure, and sustainable development.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in economics, public policy, law, management, finance, or related discipline.
• At least 8 years' experience in a policy, strategy, advisory, or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of local government legislation, policy frameworks, and decision-making processes.
• Proven experience providing advice on complex issues to senior leaders and decision-makers.
• Experience in growth, infrastructure, urban development, or other comparable public sector environments.
• 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 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

Analytical thinking

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Verbal communication

Policy advisory

Ambiguity navigation

Education

Tertiary qualification in economics/public policy/law/management/finance

Job description

Hamilton City Council is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to shape growth and planning policy, drive funding solutions, and guide strategic thinking for Hamilton’s future.

You will lead policy initiatives, provide expert advice to senior leaders and elected members, and manage complex economic and legislative analyses that inform decisions impacting growth, infrastructure, and sustainable development.