Are you ready to step into a role where your leadership and project delivery skills make a real difference? As Project Lead at Napier City Council, you will oversee critical digital and transformation projects, working alongside a mix of internal teams, contractors, and mana whenua partners. You’ll support the organisation through transitional change, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, effectively, and in line with Council priorities.

This position will be part of the Strategy & Urban Development Directorate (Urban), which leads future planning, policy development, and compliance to promote sustainable growth and enhance community well-being. The directorate supports businesses and developers through regulatory service excellence. It oversees projects to ensure efficient resource utilisation and the delivery of tangible community benefits.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking environment where your expertise will directly contribute to the success of transformative initiatives. You’ll take ownership, lead with initiative, and help shape the future of Napier City Council’s systems, processes, and ways of working.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Lead the day to day delivery of high-profile transformation and digital projects over a 2-year fixed term.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, contractors, iwi/Mana Whenua, and external stakeholders.
• Influence organisational change and improve delivery frameworks, processes, and systems.
• Provide guidance and build internal capability across teams and stakeholders.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and strategic outcomes for Napier City Council.
• Maintain clear visibility of project performance through accurate reporting, dashboards, and risk management in line with EPMO standards.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent industry experience.
• 5–8 years’ experience leading digital, transformation, or business change projects in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Skilled in project delivery using Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid methodologies.
• Experienced in engaging stakeholders across technical and non-technical teams and supporting change adoption.
• Strong problem-solving, coordination, risk management, and reporting skills.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 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 fixed term opportunity for 2 years. You will be working full time, 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday. You will be based in Napier.

The annual salary package for this role is $98,600-116,100 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

Applications for this role close on 17 October 2025 however due to the highly competitive employment market we will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person. Please do not delay in making your application.

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 – Project Lead (Fixed Term)