Governance and Risk Manager

The Governance and Risk Manager is responsible for ensuring that the machinery of Council is delivered efficiently; providing support and advice to Council and elected members on democracy matters (policy and protocols, elections, training and development etc); and ensuring Council is assured that it is operating within its legislative framework and that organisational risks are governed and assured within agreed tolerances.

Key responsibilities include:

• Servicing of, and provision of advice to, Committees (delivery through PAs/Committee Support).
• Elections, representation reviews, etc.
• Councillor training and development, and remuneration.
• Councillor policies, code of conduct, conflict of interest
• Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA).
• Management of internal audit and risk services to improve practice and ensure compliance.

Knowledge/Experience

Appropriate tertiary qualifications in business and administration, law or a relevant field of expertise, or equivalent experiences.

• Strong technical knowledge and previous experience managing risk at an enterprise level.
• Experience in the application of legislation and statutory requirements.
• Familiarity with the machinery of government (local or central government)
• Ability to lead culturally competent teams, able to work alongside tangata whenua and within te ao Māori
• Proven leadership skills with demonstrated ability to articulate the vision and take people on a change journey.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, lead, and control the division activities.

In return, Environment Southland can offer you a dynamic and friendly working environment, access to a wide range of technology, training and support, and the chance to make a real difference to Southland's natural environment.

Beaches, ski fields, 4 out of 10 of NZ Great Walks, national parks, lakes and fiords are all a short journey from Invercargill. Combined with reasonable house prices, short commutes and a relaxed pace of life, it all makes Southland a great place to live and work.

If you are ready for a new adventure, looking for an opportunity to grow your career whilst enjoying all the lifestyle benefits Southland and Environment Southland offers, apply today via https://environmentsouthland.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Vacancies & enter ref code: 6918140.

Your cover letter will be an important part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

An initial offer of remuneration will be made within the range of $139,140-$146,870.

Applications close: 16 August 2026

Working at Environment Southland requires all of our staff to uphold the council's Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities as part of their day-to-day role. This might be through the appropriate delivery of functions through various legislation where Te Tiriti o Waitangi or partnering with mana whenua is required or upholding the commitments that our elected councillors have made to Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku through the Charter of Understanding.