Napier City Council is navigating significant change — strengthening capability, lifting performance, and evolving how we work to meet the needs of a growing and changing city. We’re seeking a Chief People Officer to lead this journey, shaping a culture where people feel supported, challenged, and empowered to do their best work. This executive role is central to embedding a high-performance, values-led culture across the organisation, ensuring our people systems, leadership practices, and ways of working are fit for the future of local government.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Chief People Officer will lead high-performing People, Health & Safety, and Organisational Development functions and work in close partnership with the Chief Executive and Executive Directors to guide the organisation through complex change. You’ll bring clarity, confidence, and credibility to people leadership — supporting leaders to navigate employment complexity, lift engagement, and lead through transformation with transparency and care. This is a role for a strategic, hands-on leader who understands the realities of public sector change and can turn people strategy into tangible cultural and performance outcomes.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Lead the organisation’s People & Capability functions, setting clear direction and expectations that enable a high-performance, values-led culture.

• Partner with the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team to lead the people dimensions of local government change, supporting leaders to navigate complexity with confidence and care.

• Drive the development and delivery of people strategies that lift capability, engagement, and performance across the organisation.

• Lead employment relations, remuneration and workforce planning frameworks that are robust, fair, and fit for a highly regulated public sector environment.

• Champion health, safety and wellbeing as a core part of how Council operates, embedding safe and sustainable practices as business as usual.

• Develop, coach, and lead a high-performing People & Capability team that delivers trusted advice, practical solutions, and continuous improvement.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• A highly credible senior people leader with significant experience operating at executive or senior management level in complex, regulated organisations.

• Proven ability to build and sustain high-performing teams, setting clear direction while empowering others to lead and deliver.

• Demonstrated success leading organisational change, culture programmes, and workforce transformation in the public or similar sectors.

• Strong, practical understanding of New Zealand employment legislation and people best practice, applied with sound judgement.

• A confident influencer and trusted advisor, able to partner effectively with executives, people leaders, unions, and governance stakeholders.

• Clear, thoughtful communicator who can translate complex people issues into practical, people-centred solutions.

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’s CBD.

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. Relocation packages are available for the right candidate coming from outside of Hawke’s Bay. 

Applications for this role close on 9 February 2026, however due to the highly competitive employment market we will review and interview applications as they are received and may close the role early once the right candidate is found. 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 criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening & drug testing). 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 – Chief People Officer