This is a commercially focused leadership role with impact. As Resource Recovery & Commercial Services Manager, you’ll lead Napier’s waste and resource recovery portfolio, ensuring services perform at the right cost while delivering strong environmental and community outcomes.

You’ll own the strategic, commercial and operational delivery of waste services, with a particular focus on contract excellence, financial performance and value for money for ratepayers. A key part of the role is leading Napier’s contribution to the Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP) in partnership with Hastings District Council - translating shared goals into high-performing contracts, clear outcomes and credible reporting.

This role is heavily weighted toward commercial and contractor management. You’ll oversee large, complex service contracts, apply robust commercial judgement, and actively manage risk, cost and performance. You’ll work confidently with suppliers, regulators, partners and senior leaders, making sound, defensible decisions in a highly regulated environment.

If you’re motivated by delivering strong environmental outcomes through commercially disciplined, well-run services, this is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of waste and resource recovery for Napier and the wider region.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Lead the strategy and delivery of waste and resource recovery services across Napier

• Own Council’s delivery of the Joint Waste Management & Minimisation Plan, turning priorities into clear programmes, contracts and measurable results

• Manage large, complex service contracts with a strong focus on performance, value for money and risk management

• Apply commercial thinking to service models, funding, investment and procurement decisions

• Use data and insight to monitor performance, identify opportunities and support informed decision‑making

• Drive continuous improvement across waste, recycling and minimisation services

• Oversee fleet and asset-related decisions, balancing cost, reliability and environmental impact

• Work with partners, schools and the community to support behaviour change and waste minimisation

• Build trusted relationships across Council, with contractors and external stakeholders

• Lead, develop and support a capable team with clear accountability and pride in delivery

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to build trust, set clear expectations and hold teams accountable

• Experience in commercial, contract or service delivery environments, ideally within infrastructure, environmental or regulated sectors

• Sound commercial judgement and financial acumen, balancing cost, performance, risk and long-term outcomes

• Confidence managing complex contracts and navigating regulatory frameworks

• A practical, solutions‑focused approach and the ability to make sound decisions in complex situations

• Comfort working at both strategic and operational levels

• Strong communication skills and the ability to influence a wide range of stakeholders

• A continuous improvement mindset, focused on smarter, simpler ways of working

• A genuine interest in environmental outcomes and the role waste services play in community wellbeing

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 $120,763 - $142,074 (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 criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening and drug & alcohol 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 – Resource Recovery & Commercial Services Manager