Business Improvement Lead

Looking to progress your career, but also wanting to live life to the full? Then Taupō District Council is the place for you!

WHO ARE WE? KO WAI MĀTOU?

Every day brings new opportunities when you are part of our team at Taupō District Council. Our diverse organisation is recognised for its vibrant energy, optimism for the future, ambition to act boldly and willingness to do things differently to secure the best result. We take a balanced and community-focused approach that allows us to strive with consideration on behalf of our district. We are motivated by ensuring we are a district of connected communities who thrive and embrace opportunities and hold this greater purpose in mind in all that we do. 

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF TAUPŌ DISTRICT COUNCIL

Are you equally comfortable talking with Data Analysts, challenging business processes, discussing AI opportunities with leaders, and helping people navigate change? Taupō District Council is investing in the future.

We're establishing a new Business Improvement Team to help Council work smarter, make better use of data and technology, and deliver better outcomes for our communities. This is a unique opportunity to join us at the beginning of that journey and help shape the direction of the team, its priorities, and the way improvement is delivered across the organisation.

This isn't a role where you'll inherit a mature function and simply maintain it. We're looking for someone who can help build capability, create momentum, and influence how Council approaches business improvement, data, analytics, AI and organisational efficiency for years to come.

ABOUT THE ROLE – NGĀ ĀHUATANGA O TE TŪRANGA

Reporting to the Business Excellence Manager, you'll lead a growing team of specialists including Data Analysts, Business Intelligence Analysts, GIS capability and emerging AI resources.

You'll provide leadership across a diverse portfolio that spans:

• Business improvement and process redesign
• Data and analytics
• Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
• Performance reporting and organisational insights
• Governance, assurance and benefits realisation
• Strategic projects and organisational change

Success in this role requires someone who can bridge the gap between technical expertise and practical business outcomes. You'll have enough technical credibility to lead specialist analysts and challenge thinking when required, but your real superpower will be your ability to engage people, build relationships, and bring others on the journey. You'll help leaders identify opportunities, prioritise competing demands, remove barriers, and turn good ideas into meaningful organisational improvements.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR - KEI TE KIMI  MĀTOU I TĒNEI MOMO TANGATA

We're less interested in a particular qualification and more interested in the impact you've made.

You'll likely bring:

• Proven experience leading business improvement, transformation or organisational change initiatives
• A strong understanding of data, analytics, business intelligence and emerging AI capabilities
• The ability to lead and mentor specialist technical professionals without needing to be the technical expert in every discipline
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to see opportunities across organisational boundaries
• Experience balancing innovation with practical delivery
• A passion for helping organisations become more effective, efficient and customer focused
  

Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys solving complex organisational problems, connecting people with ideas, and helping turn strategy into action.

WHAT WE OFFER - NGĀ ĀHUATANGA KEI A MĀTOU

Our people are accomplished, capable, and driven by curiosity to learn more - about the council, its impact, and their own potential. Your career aspirations will be encouraged, whether you’re just starting out or an expert. Our strengths-based environment will enable you to be the best version of yourself at work.

Our spaces are filled with warmth and welcoming conversation. We collaborate closely and lead with empathy - for our colleagues and for our community.  We encourage our people to find the flexibility within their role to do more of what matters to them in and out of work. When you join us, you’ll enjoy our:

• Strong focus on wellness - discounted gym membership and health insurance and wellbeing initiatives to support your mental, physical and financial wellbeing
• Flexible work environment – work from home options and flexible hours to promote a great work-life balance
• Assistance with ongoing professional development – access to learning opportunities to help you grow
• Generous leave entitlements!
• Settling in support – if you’re joining us from outside of the district, we’ll work with you to make a seamless transition

If you're excited by the prospect of building something meaningful, leading talented specialists, and helping shape the future of local government, we'd love to hear from you.

CLOSING DATE: 1 November 2026, 5pm or when the vacancy is filled.