Full-time | Based in Mangawhai or Dargaville + Work from Home options

Shape the Future of our People Experience

At Kaipara District Council, we're passionate about our people and our place. From two oceans to two harbours, our district is a unique and vibrant community - and we're looking for a strategic leader to help us make Kaipara - the place to be!

About the Role

Step into a pivotal leadership role where your expertise will guide culture, capability and change across our organisation. You'll lead a team of five passionate People & Capability professionals, operating in a changing environment where adaptability and innovation are key.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic advice to the Executive Team on workforce and people strategies
• Shaping and leading change initiatives and organisational design that enable growth and create a stronger, future-ready organisation
• Driving culture improvement and engagement initiatives with practical, cost-effective solutions
• Championing learning and development programmes and building leadership capability across the organisation
• Managing employment relations and maintaining strong partnerships with unions.

What you'll bring

This role calls for resilience, adaptability and a genuine passion for the people side of business. You'll be a trusted advisor and problem-solver with sound judgment and proven experience.

To thrive in this role, you'll have:

• Significant HR leadership experience with strong ER expertise
• Demonstrated success in leading organisational change through significant external and internal shifts
• Skilled at influencing and providing strategic advice at senior leadership level
• Proven experience driving culture and engagement improvements with practical, cost-effective solutions
• Expertise in delivering organisational development strategies that strengthen culture, build capability and enable sustainable change

What We Offer   

At Kaipara District Council, we foster a supportive, inclusive, and forward-thinking team environment.   

In addition, we offer:   

• Competitive salary + benefits + mob + laptop  
• Flexible working options and a range of employee wellbeing initiatives.   
• A commitment to your growth and development, with access to ongoing training and development opportunities.   
• One paid volunteer day per year to give back to the Kaipara community.   
• Discounted health insurance and banking, and retail discounts.   
• Free EAP services and a focus on your overall health and wellbeing.   
• 5 weeks of annual leave after 5 years of service.   

About Kaipara District Council (KDC)     

From rugged coastlines to iconic beaches and kauri forests, Kaipara is a special part of Aotearoa. At Kaipara District Council, we're proud to help make Kaipara - the place to be, where people feel connected, opportunities grow, and everyone has a voice in shaping the future

We're more than just a workplace - we're a passionate team committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and healthy community where people love to live, work, and play. We're guided by the values of mahi tahi (teamwork), mana (integrity), pono (trustworthy), whakaute (respect), and mahia te mahi (make it happen), which shape everything we do. These values inspire us to foster an environment where people and communities thrive.     

How to Apply   

Ready to make a difference? Apply today through the link below to be directed to our Careers Website!     

For more information, contact Kevin Whitehead, People & Talent Advisor, at careers@kaipara.govt.nz

Please note: Our offices will be closed from 23 December 2025 to 5 January 2026 for the Christmas break. Applications can still be submitted during this time; however, responses to queries and reviewing applications will resume from 05 January 2026.

Preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment checks, including criminal history and police vetting checks.