Permanent Full Time Role | Based in Mangawhai or Dargaville | Work from Home Options

Lead the function that connects economic growth, programme delivery and strategic improvement across Kaipara.

We're looking for an experienced leader to head our Economic Development & Programmes team.

Reporting to the General Manager Strategic Improvement, this role leads a broad and interesting portfolio that includes economic development, Council's Project Management Office (PMO), planning and reporting, programme governance and community events.

This is a role with genuine breadth, visibility and impact. You'll help shape how Council delivers projects and programmes, supports economic opportunities and works alongside businesses, developers, communities and regional partners to achieve outcomes for Kaipara.

What you'll be doing

• Leading Council's Economic Development & Programmes team and supporting a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement with a strong focus on attracting inward investments.
• Providing strategic leadership for Council's PMO, helping lift project, programme and portfolio management capability across the organisation.
• Overseeing delivery of the Economic Development Strategy
• Monitoring capital programme performance and providing advice and reporting to support strategic decision making.
• Building strong relationships with Council, businesses, investors, developers, communities and regional partners to support economic growth and opportunities.

Why join us?

This is a role where you can make a real impact across both strategy and delivery.

You'll lead a team that plays an important role in how Council plans, manages and delivers its work, while also supporting economic growth and opportunities across the district. It is a broad leadership role with the chance to influence how ideas move into action and how programmes are delivered well.

Based in Mangawhai or Dargaville, you'll join a collaborative leadership team committed to delivering great outcomes for our communities.

We also offer:

• Flexible working options and wellbeing initiatives
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• One paid volunteer day each year to give back to the Kaipara community
• Discounted health insurance, banking products and retail offers
• Free EAP services for you and your family
• Five weeks' annual leave after five years of service

What you'll bring

You'll be comfortable working at both the strategic and operational level. You know how to bring people together, navigate complexity and keep momentum on the things that matter most.

You'll also bring:

• Senior leadership experience in programme management, PMO leadership, economic development, strategy, planning or a related field.
• Experience leading organisation-wide programmes or initiatives aligned to strategic priorities.
• Proven people leadership experience, including developing high-performing teams.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent senior-level experience.

About us:

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.    

Apply today!

To view the job description and apply for this job go to: https://kaiparadc.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Careers & enter ref code: 6921404.

If you're ready to lead a broad portfolio with real influence across strategy, delivery and economic growth, we'd like to hear from you.

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

Applications close 27 August 2026

Please note that the preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment checks, including criminal history and police vetting checks.