As part of Napier City Council’s organisational redesign, we’re excited to introduce a new Strategic Project Lead role — a chance to take on complex, high-value projects that will shape the future of our city. This fixed-term position gives you the scope to manage projects end to end, ensuring delivery is aligned with Council priorities and community outcomes.

You’ll partner with internal teams, consultants, mana whenua, and community stakeholders, championing genuine co-design and co-governance to create smarter, more connected, and sustainable outcomes for Napier.

Bring your project leadership expertise to a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where your work will have a lasting impact.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Lead major strategic projects that deliver real benefits for Napier
• Oversee planning, governance, delivery, and risk management from end to end
• Drive co-design and co-governance with mana whenua and community partners
• Collaborate across Council and with a wide range of external stakeholders
• Influence innovation and help shape the city’s long-term direction
• Make your mark in a newly created role with both challenge and opportunity

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• A tertiary qualification in project management, engineering, planning, public administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience
• Significant experience delivering complex, high-value projects, with proven capability in governance, risk, and stakeholder management
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and contract oversight
• Excellent communication and relationship skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across Council, mana whenua, consultants, and community stakeholders
• Strategic thinker with the ability to navigate ambiguity, solve problems, and align delivery with organisational priorities
• Desirable: Postgraduate qualifications or professional project management certification (e.g. PMP, MSP)

• Discounted Health Insurance Work Scheme + Eye Test Subsidy
• Retailer Discounts + Study assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club
• Free flu vaccinations (annual)
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a one year fixed term opportunity working 40 hours per week (Monday-Friday). You will be based in Napier CBD.

The annual salary package for this role is between $112,900-$132,000 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including drug testing, with some roles requiring health screening). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Strategic Project Lead