Senior Manager – Operations | Fixed Term (18 months)

• Lead infrastructure and the Long-Term Plan development – strategic focus, real impact
• A senior operations executive ready to lead through transition
• Live and work in Kaikōura - one of New Zealand’s most spectacular settings

About The Role: 

Kaikōura sits between the moana (sea) and the maunga (mountains) – dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, a strong community, and a district in the middle of significant change. This role sits at the centre of that change.

This fixed-term role (18 months) provides operational leadership through a critical transition: the go-live of Kaikōura Hurunui Water Services from 1 July 2026 and the development of the Long Term Plan (LTP) 2027–2037. As one of three members of the Executive Team, this role leads the infrastructure programme delivery and the LTP process, providing strategic oversight of roading (including NLTP/Waka Kotahi funding), asset management, capital works, and regulatory compliance, and acts as deputy to the CEO on an alternating basis.

About the Person:

You will be a senior operations executive ideally from local government, with a strong background in infrastructure, asset management, or project and programme delivery. Experience with LTP processes would be a significant advantage. You will bring:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years’ senior leadership experience at executive level in local government or a comparably complex environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading infrastructure functions – roading, asset management, capital works – with a track record of delivering complex projects through consultants and contractors.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing infrastructure operations budgets, including procurement and contract management.
• Experience contributing to or leading a Long Term Plan or equivalent strategic planning process, with the analytical capability to translate that into clear priorities and delivery plans.
• Strong relationship-building skills across elected members, government agencies, iwi and Tangata Whenua, and external delivery partners.
• Proven people leadership – the ability to inspire and develop teams through change, and to build a culture of collaboration, performance and transparency.
• Drive, energy, and a positive “can do” attitude – the kind of leader who gets things done and brings others with them.
• Sound business and political acumen, with the judgement to navigate complexity and make clear decisions under pressure.
• Experience within local government is essential.

About the Organisation:

Kaikōura District Council is a small council doing substantive work. There is no specialist niche here; everyone contributes across the breadth of what Council does, which means real variety, genuine responsibility, and a visible difference to a community you are part of.

The district is at an important point in its development, with the establishment of Kaikōura Hurunui Water Services and the LTP 2027–2037 underway. The location itself is exceptional with mountains, sea, and outstanding access to the outdoors. For the right person, this is a rare combination: a substantive leadership role in a remarkable place.

Candidates can apply, in strict confidence, online at www.sheffield.co.nz

To apply by email, please attach your cover letter and CV and send to cvchc@sheffield.co.nz quoting 9206SIlg.  Applications close on 3 June 2026.  Emails will be electronically acknowledged, and further correspondence may be by email. 

To view a Candidate Briefing Document, please visit www.sheffield.co.nz