Strategy and Business Manager

• Are you interested in leading a strategically focused business unit that plays a key role in public sector policy and strategy, directly contributing to community well-being?

• Are you a strategic thinker with strong relationship management skills and passionate about positive change?

• Can you work collaboratively with key stakeholders across a large and diverse organisation to deliver community focused solutions to complex issues?

At Waimakariri District Council we promise to be professional, approachable and solutions-focused: Waimakariri people are at the heart of everything we do. We serve a community of over 72,000 that continues to experience rapid growth. Offering a wide range of natural and recreational areas to explore, with vibrant town centres, a growing economy, and only being a short 20 minute commute to Christchurch, it is easy to understand why people want to be live, play and work in beautiful North Canterbury.

More than ever Local Councils are taking a leadership role in responding to a wide range economic, social, and environmental challenges on behalf of their communities. This includes interpreting and responding to an environment of fast-paced policy and legislative change across a wide range of issues and finding cost effective ways to deliver quality public services to growing communities. This is an exciting time to be in our sector.

We are now in the process of looking for a highly strategic and relationship focused leader to be our new Strategy and Business Unit Manager.

The mandate - to drive the development and delivery of a strategic framework, that through environmental scanning and indicators monitoring will identify wellbeing issues for the Council to address through its various roles and functions. Key strategy development and implementation accountabilities go with that mandate, especially in relation to economic development, town centres and sustainability.

This diverse role means you will be tasked with supporting the Council's participation in collaborative strategy and policy development processes at regional and sub-regional level.

You will also be responsible for overseeing the development and monitoring of Council’s corporate planning documents, ensuring alignment of these with Council’s strategic priorities and objectives.

Providing senior relationship management advice and support for business sector interaction with the Council's regulatory functions and services is another key accountability of the unit.

As is providing high quality advice across the Council to support the development of corporate policies, bylaws, and cost-effectiveness reviews towards achieving community outcomes.

To be successful in this position you will need to be able to inspire and empower your team, believe in and act in accordance with the Council’s values, have a solutions focused attitude and the ability to work with diverse partners often with conflicting interests. We are looking for someone who is authentic, believes in continuous improvement and welcomes new learning and experiences by sharing, contributing and cooperating with their team and wider organisation colleagues.

Please visit our website to view the Position Description.

If you would like to find out more about this role, please call Simon Hart on 0800 965 468 (0800 WMK GOV). A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with someone who demonstrates the right attitude and that has demonstrable relevant experience.

Applications close Friday 17 October 2025

The Council is an equal opportunity employer.