Team Leader Operations

Marlborough District Council; Blenheim; On-site; NZD 112,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Marlborough District Council in Blenheim, South Island, seeks an experienced emergency services leader to guide a dedicated team and collaborate with emergency services, government agencies, iwi, volunteers and critical infrastructure to ensure our region can respond effectively when it matters most.

You will oversee emergency response planning, training delivery and operational readiness; develop and maintain Incident Management Teams and NZRT20 capability; and lead ongoing improvements to

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading staff, volunteers, or multi-agency teams
• Minimum five years' experience in emergency management or a related operational environment
• Strong experience in designing and delivering training, exercising, and capability development programmes
• Working knowledge of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act, National CDEM Plan, and associated guidelines
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions in high-pressure and rapidly changing environments
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• A degree, diploma, or other relevant tertiary qualification or Incident Management qualifications
• A current full driver's licence

Responsibilities

• Oversee emergency response planning, exercising programmes, training delivery, and operational readiness.
• Develop and maintain Incident Management Team (IMT) and NZRT20 capability.
• Lead continuous improvement of emergency preparedness systems, processes, and operational arrangements.
• Coordinate and strengthen relationships with agencies including NZ Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, Health NZ, lifeline utilities, airport stakeholders, iwi, and community groups.
• Provide leadership during emergency events, activating as a Controller or Response Manager when required.
• Support planning for significant hazard events including Alpine Fault and other catastrophic event scenarios.

Skills

Leadership

Emergency management

Training delivery

Stakeholder engagement

Decision making

Multi-agency coordination

Driving licence

Education

Degree or Diploma in related field

Incident Management qualifications

Job description

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Marlborough District Council - Blenheim, South Island

Reporting to the Emergency Services Manager, you will lead a dedicated team and work closely with emergency services, government agencies, iwi, community organisations, volunteers, and critical infrastructure providers to ensure Marlborough is prepared to respond effectively when it matters most.

You will:

• Oversee emergency response planning, exercising programmes, training delivery, and operational readiness.
• Develop and maintain Incident Management Team (IMT) and NZRT20 capability.
• Lead continuous improvement of emergency preparedness systems, processes, and operational arrangements.
• Coordinate and strengthen relationships with agencies including NZ Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, Health NZ, lifeline utilities, airport stakeholders, iwi, and community groups.
• Provide leadership during emergency events, activating as a Controller or Response Manager when required.
• Support planning for significant hazard events including Alpine Fault and other catastrophic event scenarios.

We’re committed to building an inclusive, respectful workplace where diversity is celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We welcome people from all backgrounds and support equitable opportunities, open-minded collaboration, and the growth of cultural understanding.

To enable our people to succeed and make an impact, we offer:

• Life and income protection insurance, health insurance, enhanced leave and superannuation (conditions apply); and relocation support where applicable
• A Salary range of $112,000 to $124,000 per annum FTE (this will depend on the knowledge, skills and experience you have to offer)
• Strong health, safety and wellbeing focussed culture
• EAP support, wellness initiatives and access to Marlborough Chamber of Commerce retail discounts
• Meaningful work that supports our people and community.
  

This is a unique leadership opportunity for an emergency management professional who can bring strategic thinking, operational expertise, calm decision-making and a collaborative, community minded focus, to help protect and support our communities before, during, and after emergencies.

You will bring:

• Extensiveexperience leading staff, volunteers, or multi-agency teams
• Minimum five years' experience in emergency management or a related operational environment
• Strong experience in designing and delivering training, exercising, and capability development programmes
• Working knowledge of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act, National CDEM Plan, and associated guidelines
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions in high-pressure and rapidly changing environments
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• A degree, diploma, or other relevant tertiary qualification or Incident Management qualifications
• A current full driver's licence

Marlborough District Council is a dynamic, progressive organisation which prides itself on the professionalism it brings to managing a wide range of functions. Our vision is that over the next decade, Marlborough will become a globally connected district of progressive, high-value enterprise, known for its quality lifestyle, desirable location and natural environment.

Marlborough is unique for many reasons. The region offers an array of outdoor pursuits in a distinctive and picturesque landscape. With the Marlborough Sounds, the land and sea offer unlimited accessibility for sport and leisure.

Applications close 5.00 pm on Friday, 9 October 2026.

We’re committed to ensuring our team goes home safe every day. Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment checks to the employer’s satisfaction. These checks may include, but are not limited to, a criminal history check, confirmation of the right to work in New Zealand, drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive roles and psychometric testing.