Napier City Council is seeking an experienced Community Resilience Manager to lead our city’s preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. This senior leadership role involves shaping the Community Resilience Strategy, managing a skilled team, and fostering strong partnerships across iwi, government, NGOs, and local communities.

You will empower neighbourhoods and community organisations, embed resilience thinking across council services, and act as a trusted advisor on emerging risks and emergency planning. The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, including multi-agency collaboration, programme delivery, and community engagement.

We’re looking for a solutions-focused leader with senior management experience, strong project and team leadership skills, cultural competency, and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Lead the development and delivery of Napier’s Community Resilience Strategy and embed resilience thinking across council services.

• Provide expert advice to senior leadership, elected members, and external stakeholders on emerging risks, community resilience, and mitigation strategies.

• Lead community engagement initiatives to strengthen neighbourhood preparedness.

• Represent the Council on multi-agency forums, exercises, and emergency activations.

• Oversee resilience programmes, reporting, and project delivery.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• Relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, social sciences, community development, or emergency management.

• 9+ years in senior management, ideally in local government or emergency management.

• Strong knowledge of emergency planning frameworks, local authority responsibilities, and community development principles.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and project management skills.

• Commitment to cultural competency and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

• Experience with multi-agency collaboration and community-led initiatives.

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’ll be based in Napier’s CBD.

The annual salary package for this role is between $120,700- $142,000 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

Competitive relocation packages are available to support a smooth transition for successful candidates moving to the area.

Applications for this role close on 13 March 2026, 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 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 – Community Resilience Manager