• Are you looking for a varied and challenging role?

• Looking for a role where you can have a positive, lasting impact on your community?

• Can you lead a professional team with a broad and complex work programme?

• Are you able to interpret how global, national and regional issues impact local communities?

Waimakariri District is one of the fastest growing Districts in New Zealand and the fourth largest, by population, in the South Island. This brings with it abundant challenges across a diverse range of areas. We promise to be professional, approachable and solutions-focused when providing for our community.

The Waimakariri District Council has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and experienced Team Leader to work within the Strategy & Business Unit based in Rangiora.

This role provides day to day leadership of a team responsible for the development, review and implementation of Council strategies, policies and bylaws, as well as analysing and providing advice on a range new and reviewed central government and regional legislation and policy directions, including the leadership and coordination of associated submissions.

You will be able to apply expert project management practices and lead cross council teams to ensure the multifaceted and complex corporate planning processes are delivered to a high standard and within legislative and council mandated timeframes.

The Team Leader will ensure all statutory requirements are met, and sector best practice is applied to council corporate planning processes and the development of council's corporate planning documents, ensuring all outputs are of a high standard, whilst proactively demonstrating our Tā mātou mauri values.

As the custodian of council's 'social contract' with its community (the Long-Term Plan), the Team Leader will ensure the Mayor and Councillors are actively involved as governors and owners of the plan, and the Management Team are provided with ongoing expert support and advice on all aspects of the corporate planning work programme.

In this leadership role you will provide direction, coaching and mentoring to your motivated team and provide management support to the Strategy and Business Unit Manager. The Policy and Corporate Team Leader will also be active in the delivery of the team’s programme of work.

This role will suit a strong team player who enjoys interacting with a wide range of stakeholders but also thrives on accuracy and efficiency of information and processes. We are looking for someone who takes ownership, has exceptional customer service skills with a "can do" attitude and “going the extra mile”.

A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with someone who demonstrates the right attitude and skills. There is potential for relocation assistance and other allowances for the right candidate. Waimakariri District Council also has a range of excellent staff benefits.

Please click here to view the position description.

If you would like to find out more about this exciting opportunity, please contact Sylvia Docherty, Strategy and Business Manager on 0800 965 468 (0800 WMK GOV). If you have the skills, attitude and qualification for this position, then get in touch because we want to hear from you!

Applications close 16 February 2026.

The Council is an equal opportunity employer.