Senior Building Review Officer

Help shape the future of one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts.

Te Kaunihera aa Takiwaa o Waikato (Waikato District Council) serves the Waikato district which covers more than 400,000 hectares (418.893ha). The district is rich in natural resources, wilderness reserves, natural resources, native bush reserves, lush farmland and stunning west coast beaches.

Our Head Office is based in Ngaaruawaahia, just 10 minutes North of Hamilton, so with no traffic or parking issues, your journey to and from work is stress free.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Building Review Team Leader, you'll provide technical leadership and support to the Building Review team while undertaking the assessment of building consent applications and associated regulatory functions.

This is an exciting opportunity for a building regulatory professional who is passionate about technical excellence, customer service, and supporting the development of high-quality buildings across the Waikato district.

You'll be a trusted technical expert within the organisation, helping to ensure consistent, accurate, and timely processing of applications in accordance with the Building Act 2004, the New Zealand Building Code, and related legislation.

This role also offers the opportunity to coach and mentor colleagues, contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, and play a significant part in shaping a high-performing and customer-focused team.

What will I do?

• Review and assess residential and commercial building consent applications
• Provide technical guidance and support to Building Review Officers
• Assist with workflow management and supporting team performance
• Lead discussions on complex or high-risk building projects
• Conduct technical audits and quality assurance activities
• Ensure statutory processing timeframes and compliance requirements are met
• Build strong relationships with customers, consultants, designers, builders, and stakeholders
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency
• Manage customer enquiries and complaints professionally and effectively
• Contribute to organisational objectives through collaborative and integrated service delivery

What will I bring?

We're looking for an experienced building regulatory professional who combines strong technical expertise with a collaborative leadership style.

• At least 8 years' trade experience plus 3 years' regulatory experience within the New Zealand building industry
• NZ Diploma in Building Control Surveying (Level 6) or equivalent qualification meeting Regulation 18 requirements
• Current competency levels of minimum RES3 and COM2 under the National BCA Competency Assessment System
• Sound knowledge of the Building Act 2004, Building Code, and associated legislation
• Previous leadership, coaching, or mentoring experience
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder relationship skills
• The ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining high levels of accuracy
• Strong customer focus and commitment to continuous improvement
• A commitment to health, safety, wellbeing, and Zero Harm principles
• A willingness to embrace and develop understanding of Te Ao Māori, tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Why join our team?

This is more than just a technical role. It's an opportunity to influence the quality of development across a rapidly growing district while helping shape the future capability of our Building Review team.

Additional information:

Salary circa $105K dependent on skills and experience.

Waikato District Council offers a range of benefits to employees:

• Free parking
• Annual performance and remuneration reviews
• Subsidised health insurance
• Birthday leave
• One work life balance day for every 6 months (after 12 months).
• Employee assistance program
• Wellbeing program
• Free health checks, training and education during our annual Work Safe Home Safe event
• Boost program for discounts and special offers at New Zealand retailers and service providers

Please note we will be screening applications as they come through.

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

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

Apply now!

Application closing date: Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 12.00am.

To apply for this job, please go online to www.joinourteam.co.nz and enter the job code 39435LGC.