Urban & Spatial Planning Team Lead

Taituarā Resource Management Reference Group; Hamilton; Remote; NZD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Wellbeing days

Professional development

Health insurance

Annual leave purchase

Job summary

Hamilton City Council is seeking an experienced senior urban planning leader to guide the Unit’s core functions, develop strategy, and drive impactful projects across the city. You will develop relationships with the Director, business units, elected members, Iwi, and major developers, navigating complex problems with judgement and collaboration.

You will lead a diverse team, deliver evidence-based hearings and public consultations, and champion Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles within council

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Planning, Resource Management, Urban Design, Social Science, or a related field.
• At least 10 years’ senior experience in urban development with practical planning implementation.
• Full NZPI membership or ability to become a full member.
• People and leadership experience incl. leading diverse teams.
• Understanding of strategic planning, plan development, and public consultation.
• Proven track record in stakeholder engagement and delivering complex projects.
• Knowledge of Local Government Act 2002 and related legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and technical direction for urban planning initiatives.
• Lead and grow the Council’s approach to best practice urban planning.
• Promote and model collaboration across sub-regions.

Skills

Strategic planning

Community engagement

Policy development

Team leadership

Stakeholder relations

Education

Tertiary qualification in planning or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

At Hamilton City Council, our people are united by a shared purpose: to improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians. As one of New Zealand's largest city councils, we're proud to serve a growing and vibrant community while delivering services and projects that improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians every day.

You'll join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and community impact. Together, we're on track to being one of New Zealand's leading community-focused councils, where everyone matters and every contribution helps shape the future of our city.

If you're looking for meaningful work, a supportive team, and the opportunity to make a real difference in your community, you'll find it here.

Job Description

• Provide leadership and technical direction.
• Lead and grow Councils’ approach to best practice urban planning.
• Promote and model collaboration sub-regionally.

In this role you will play a pivotal role in the delivery of the Unit’s core functions.

You will develop and maintain internal and external relationships including the Unit Director, business units, elected members, Iwi, and customer/stakeholders and major developers within the City. You will exhibit a high level of judgement and the ability to navigate and negotiate solutions to complex problems whilst maintaining an enabling and solution focused mindset. You will lead your team to deliver exceptional results and contribute to our vision of unlocking Hamilton’s full potential.

Qualifications

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• Tertiary qualification in Planning, Resource Management, Urban Design, Social Science, or a related field
• 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.
• Full NZPI membership or ability to become a full member.
• 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.
• NZPI

Additional Information

We invest in our people, their wellbeing, and their future. That's why we offer a range of benefits designed to support you both inside and outside of work, including:

• We support flexible ways of working that balance individual wellbeing, team and business needs. And great outcomes for our community.
• We support professional development and opportunities to grow your career.
• Two wellbeing days each year to focus on what matters most to you (after one year of service).
• Fully funded Unimed health insurance, including hospital and surgical cover, with discounted rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccinations.
• The option to purchase additional annual leave for greater flexibility.
• Eye care support, including reimbursement towards eye testing and prescription glasses.
• Access to a wide range of local discounts, including gyms, healthcare providers, retail stores, and more.

Applications close on the: 15/11/2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.