Team Lead – Urban and Spatial Planning

Taituarā; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Hamilton is seeking a Team Leader for Urban Planning. This role involves leading a high-performing team to drive best practices, promoting collaboration with stakeholders, and navigating complex planning challenges. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in urban planning and strong leadership skills. The organization offers flexible working options and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible working policy

Professional development opportunities

Free health insurance

Wellbeing days

Discounted local services

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in urban or regional planning.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Ability to think strategically and deliver practical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow Council’s approach to best practice urban planning.
• Provide expert guidance and support to your team.
• Navigate complex planning challenges with sound judgement.

Skills

Leadership in urban planning

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Collaborative problem-solving

Community development

Education

10+ years experience in urban development

Current NZ driver's license

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Lead with purpose. Shape the future of Hamilton. We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced planning professional to lead our Urban Planning team. This is your opportunity to drive best practice, foster collaboration, and make a lasting impact on the city’s growth and development.

As Team Leader – Urban Planning, you’ll provide strategic leadership and technical direction to a high-performing team. You’ll play a key role in delivering the Unit’s core functions and championing innovative planning approaches across the sub-region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and grow Council’s approach to best practice urban planning.
• Provide expert guidance and support to your team.
• Promote and model collaboration with stakeholders across the sub-region.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, elected members, Iwi, developers, and other key partners.
• Navigate complex planning challenges with sound judgement and a solution-focused mindset.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven leadership experience in urban or regional planning.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Ability to think strategically and deliver practical solutions.
• A collaborative and enabling approach to problem-solving.
• Passion for shaping vibrant, sustainable communities.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years’ experience in a senior role with a focus on urban development, with a high level of practical implementation of planning through relevant legislation.
• People and leadership experience, including leading diverse professional teams.
• Understanding of strategic planning, plan development, community engagement, policy preparation and public consultation.
• Proven track record in building and maintaining effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and delivering complex projects, including experience preparing and presenting evidence for hearings, mediation, and expert witness appearance.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation affecting Council’s operations, including Local Government Act 2002.
• Current full NZ driver’s license.
• Competent user of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

What We Offer

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Applications close on the: 24/10/2025

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.