Policy and Corporate Planning Team Leader

Can you make a strategic difference for our district?

• Lead meaningful, complex projects that shape Council decision-making

• Make a genuine impact on the future of our district and communities

• Work in a values-driven organisation with a strong customer focus

• Enjoy a supportive, professional team environment

Waimakariri District is one of the fastest-growing districts in New Zealand and the fourth largest by population in the South Island. This growth brings both opportunity and complexity, requiring strong leadership, clear policy direction, and effective corporate planning to support our communities and elected members.

As a key member of the Strategy & Business team, you’ll provide day-to-day leadership to a high-performing team responsible for Council’s policy framework and corporate planning activities. You’ll lead the development, review and delivery of Council policies, bylaws and Section 17A reviews, while overseeing major corporate planning projects including the Long-Term Plan, Annual Plan and Annual Report.

You’ll play a critical role in coordinating Council responses to central and regional government legislation and policy changes, including the management of submissions and the provision of high-quality advice to elected members and senior leaders. You’ll ensure statutory requirements are met, best practice is applied, and all corporate planning outputs are delivered to a high standard, while proactively demonstrating our Tā mātou mauri values.

In this leadership role, you’ll provide direction, coaching and mentoring to a motivated team and support the Strategy & Business Unit Manager with people leadership and programme delivery. You’ll also be hands-on in delivering elements of the team’s work programme.

As part of the Strategy & Business leadership team, you’ll contribute to the ongoing development and delivery of Council’s Strategic Framework.

You’ll be a confident, politically astute leader with strong strategic thinking and excellent written and verbal communication skills. You’re comfortable working at pace, balancing operational delivery with long-term planning, and engaging effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

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 Sunday 17 May 2026.

The Council is an equal opportunity employer.