Head of Development and Growth

Lead the growth of one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts.

Growth brings opportunity, but it also brings complexity. The decisions made today will shape the communities, infrastructure, and places people call home for decades to come.

At Waikato District Council, we're looking for an exceptional Head of Development and Growth to lead our end-to-end development service and help us deliver sustainable, customer-focused growth across the district. With our population projected to grow from approximately 90,000 residents today to 115,000 by 2045.

The opportunity

This is a pivotal leadership role with significant influence on the future of Waikato communities. Reporting to the General Manager Customer and Community, you'll lead a multi-disciplinary function responsible for guiding development proposals from the first conversation through to final approvals. You'll work closely with developers, industry partners, elected members, iwi, and Council teams to ensure growth is enabled through timely, consistent, and high-quality development services.

This is a unique opportunity for a strategic and commercially minded leader who can balance customer experience, regulatory requirements, operational performance, and long-term community outcomes.

What will I do?

As the Head of Development and Growth, you will:

• Lead the end-to-end development service, from pre-application engagement through to approvals and consents.
• Provide strategic leadership for development and growth activities across the district.
• Build strong relationships with developers, consultants, customers, and industry stakeholders.
• Drive service performance, ensuring approvals are timely, consistent, compliant, and customer-focused.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, and customer experience.
• Provide visible and inspiring leadership to a team of leaders and specialists.
• Oversee operational budgets, financial performance, procurement, and contract management.
• Champion collaboration across Council so customers experience one connected organisation.

What will I bring?

We're looking for a proven senior leader who can confidently operate in a complex, fast-paced environment and build trusted relationships across a diverse stakeholder landscape.

You'll bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.
• Significant leadership experience, including leading and developing multi-functional teams.
• Strong knowledge of the development lifecycle, from pre-application engagement through to consent and approval processes
• Experience working with developers, consultants, infrastructure providers, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Strong commercial, financial, and operational management capability.
• A customer-focused mindset and passion for service excellence.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and delivering results.

Why join our team?

This is a rare opportunity to influence how growth is delivered across one of New Zealand's most dynamic districts.

You'll be joining an organisation that is committed to creating thriving communities and delivering great experiences for customers. You'll have the opportunity to lead a critical function, shape strategic outcomes, and work alongside passionate people who are dedicated to making a positive difference.

Apply now and lead the growth, development, and customer experience that will support our communities for generations to come!

Additional Information

Salary circa $170K dependent on skills and experience.

Waikato District Council offers a range of benefits to employees:

• Enjoy free parking.
• Make work, work for you with flexible working options.
• Benefit from annual performance and remuneration reviews.
• Access subsidised health insurance.
• Celebrate with a day of birthday leave.
• Receive a work-life balance day every six months after your first year.
• Access confidential support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Take advantage of our employee wellbeing programme.
• Receive free health checks, training and education at our annual Work Safe Home Safe event.
• Save with Boost discounts and special offers from New Zealand retailers and service providers.

We will be reviewing applications as they are received and encourage early applications.

We have a strong safety culture and as part of this our preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment medical assessment which includes alcohol and drug testing.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

To apply for this job, please go online to www.joinourteam.co.nz and enter the job code 40049LGC.