Principal Advisor - Operational Improvement and Assurance

Permanent | Full time

About the Role

Are you a strategic, experienced professional who can lead improvement through influence, trusted relationships and practical delivery? Upper Hutt City Council is seeking a Principal Advisor – Operational Improvement and Assurance to join our Operations Group. This is a senior leadership role supporting the Group Manager Operations and wider Operations leadership team to strengthen planning, systems, assurance, project and contract management practice, and organisational performance.

Working across a broad and varied portfolio, you’ll lead business improvement initiatives, provide strategic advice, support policy and planning development, and help embed a culture of continuous improvement across the Operations Group and wider Council.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior strategic advice, co-ordination and support across the Operations Group
• Lead and support business improvement and continuous improvement initiatives
• Strengthen planning, delivery, systems, assurance and performance across the Group
• Lead improvements in contract and project management practice, including the effective use of NZS 391x contracts
• Co-ordinate and lead Operations Group input into corporate projects, strategies, plans, policies and bylaws
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Influence priorities, decisions, and delivery through co-operation and trusted relationships
• Prepare and lead the development of high-quality policies, implementation plans and reports
• Evaluate external policy and legislative changes and advocate for good outcomes for Council and the Upper Hutt community
• Support the development and maintenance of the Operations Group Business Continuity Plan

What We’re Looking For

• A credible senior leader with the ability to influence, guide and bring others with them without relying on direct authority
• At least 15 years’ relevant experience, preferably including significant senior experience in local government, infrastructure, operations, policy, planning, project delivery or business improvement
• Strong analytical, critical reasoning, problem-solving and judgement skills
• Proven experience leading business improvement projects from problem definition through to implementation, adoption and benefits realisation
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders, managers and technical specialists in a complex organisation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, evidence-based strategies, plans, policies and reports
• A sound understanding of policy development, implementation and how to interpret legislation
• Exceptional organisational skills and the ability to co-ordinate diverse functions and activities
• Strong consultation, engagement and relationship management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• A relevant tertiary qualification and/or substantial background experience in infrastructure-related strategy, planning, policy or a related field

Why Join Us?

• Senior role with the opportunity to influence meaningful operational improvement
• Supportive, collaborative team environment
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Make a real difference for the Upper Hutt community
• Positive workplace culture guided by Council’s values — where people matter
• Wellbeing, development and work-life balance benefits available through Upper Hutt City Council

Ready to apply?

If you’re passionate about operational excellence, continuous improvement and supporting great outcomes for the Upper Hutt community, we want to hear from you.

If you would like to be considered for this role then please apply online: www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Council/Work-with-us/Current-vacancies.

All applications must include a cover letter, CV and a completed online Upper Hutt City Council application form.

Applications close 4pm, 19 August 2026.

We reserve the right to interview and select candidates prior to the closing date.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHT TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS  ROLE.