Tihei mauri ora!
Nau mai, haere mai, tahuti mai ki Heretaunga!
Heretaunga haukunui, Heretaunga ararau, Heretaunga haaro te kaahu, Heretaunga takoto noa!
Welcome to Heretaunga, the area renowned for its rich and fertile landscape that is sustained by its life-giving dews and waterways. Welcome to Heretaunga, whose beauty is observed by the sharp eye of the harrier hawk; a landscape rich in history and with an esteemed legacy of caring and providing for its inhabitants.
Taitara Mahi - Manager - Strategic Reviews & Planning
Permanent full-time
Hastings District Council is looking for a forward-thinking and people-focused leader to join our Strategy Group as the Manager Strategic Reviews and Planning. This is a unique opportunity to drive critical reviews, develop strategic insights, and help lead the development of long-term plans that make a real difference for the people of Heretaunga.
Reporting to the Group Manager Strategy, this role leads a team at the heart of our Council’s long-term thinking and performance improvement. You’ll guide strategic reviews, evaluate the effectiveness and value of Council activities, and support planning processes including the Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan. You’ll help us navigate our complex and changing environment, bringing clarity to the big questions and helping shape the future of our infrastructure, public services, and community investments.
The duties and responsibilities of this role will include:
- Leading high-quality strategic reviews and business cases that drive better outcomes for our communities.
- Supporting the delivery of Council’s Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan.
- Strengthening strategic capability across Council by building situational awareness and scanning the external environment.
- Providing sound, well-structured policy advice to senior leaders and elected members.
- Building strong relationships across the organisation and wider sector to enable effective cross-Council teamwork.
Ōu wheako – About you
To be successful in this role you will:
- A relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, economics, law, political science, or a related field.
- Strong experience in public sector strategy, policy analysis, and planning.
- Demonstrated leadership of people and projects, particularly within multidisciplinary or cross-functional teams.
- Exceptional communication and analytical skills.
- A passion for continuous improvement, service excellence, and the wellbeing of our district.
Experience working in local or central government is preferred. Familiarity with Section 17A of the Local Government Act and New Zealand Treasury’s Better Business Case framework would be a significant advantage.
Situated in the heart of Ngāti Kahungunu, the Hastings district and Hawke’s Bay offer an enjoyable environment in which to live, work and play. We are an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. Are you keen to be a part of our journey?
Applications close: Sunday 3 August 2025
Click here to find out about all the great reasons why you'll want to work for us.
Please Note: Due to the highly competitive employment market, our vacancy close date may be subject to change if a suitable candidate is found, so don't delay in making your application.