Napier City Council is evolving. Our organisational redesign is creating smarter, more connected services that better serve our community while unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.

We’re seeking a forward-thinking Head of Commercial, Communications & Economic Development — a brand-new senior leadership role that will provide strategic direction across commercial assets, economic development, and communications. You will optimise Council-owned housing, property, and commercial portfolios, drive investment and local business growth, and lead high-impact communications and engagement initiatives — ensuring every project delivers tangible financial, social, and community value.

In this role, you will lead multidisciplinary teams across commercial strategy, communications, economic development, and events. You will foster strategic partnerships with mana whenua, government, business, and community stakeholders, strengthen Napier’s economic vitality, and enhance community well-being. You will also oversee Council communications and engagement, ensuring messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with Napier’s strategic priorities.

This is a role for a commercially astute, politically savvy, and strategically minded leader who can balance complexity with clarity. You will be a visible ambassador for Napier City Council — credible, collaborative, and confident in high-profile environments — championing innovation, partnerships, and long-term community benefit.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Take the reins of a brand-new role with the chance to shape Napier’s commercial, communications, and economic development strategy from the ground up.
• Optimise public housing, property, and commercial assets to deliver both financial sustainability and meaningful community impact.
• Build and nurture strategic partnerships with iwi, government, business, and community stakeholders to drive economic growth.
• Influence marketing, events, and communications initiatives to achieve measurable economic and social outcomes.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams, champion innovation, and embed a high-performance culture across your area.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline (or equivalent experience) and at least 16 years’ senior leadership experience.
• Experienced senior leader with proven ability in commercial strategy, economic development, or communications.
• Strong track record in leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Excellent relationship management skills; able to build trust with iwi, community, business, and government stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with commercial acumen, balancing short-term results with long-term community and financial goals.
• Comfortable navigating complex political, regulatory, and community-facing environments.
• Committed to fostering inclusive, innovative, and high-performing organisational culture.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years service
• 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 permanent, full time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You will be based in Napier.

The annual salary package for this role is between $168,100 – 197,800 (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 – Head of Commercial, Communications & Economic Development