Team Lead – Urban and Spatial Planning

Our job is looking ahead for the future of our city.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Lead with purpose. Shape the future of Hamilton.

We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced planning professional to lead our Urban & Spatial Planning team. This is your opportunity to drive best practice, foster collaboration, and make a lasting impact on the city’s growth and development.

As Team Leader – Urban & Spatial Planning, you’ll provide strategic leadership and technical direction to a high-performing team. You’ll play a key role in delivering the Unit’s core functions and championing innovative planning approaches across the sub-region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and grow Council’s approach to best practice urban planning.
• Provide expert guidance and support to your team.
• Promote and model collaboration with stakeholders across the sub-region.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, elected members, Iwi, developers, and other key partners.
• Navigate complex planning challenges with sound judgement and a solution-focused mindset.

• Proven leadership experience in urban or regional planning.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Ability to think strategically and deliver practical solutions.
• A collaborative and enabling approach to problem-solving.
• Passion for shaping vibrant, sustainable communities.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• At least 10 years’ experience in a senior role with a focus on urban development, with a high level of practical implementation of planning through relevant legislation.
• People and leadership experience, including leading diverse professional teams.
• Understanding of strategic planning, plan development, community engagement, policy preparation and public consultation.
• Proven track record in building and maintaining effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and delivering complex projects, including experience preparing and presenting evidence for hearings, mediation, and expert witness appearance.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation affecting Council’s operations, including Local Government Act 2002.
• Current full NZ driver’s license.
• Competent user of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa 145K dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

Applications close on the: 23/01/2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.