Team Leader Planning Services

• Lead a team of dedicated planning professionals in a high-impact role
• Champion a culture of collaboration, quality and continuous improvement
• Enjoy variety, responsibility, and meaningful influence in a future-focused council

The Opportunity

Palmerston North City Council is seeking a capable and collaborative people leader to step into the newly created Team Leader – Planning Services role. Reporting to the Manager of Planning Services and based on-site in Palmerston North, you’ll lead a team of 6 - 7 planners and support staff delivering resource consent services within the Planning Services team - part of the wider Development and Regulatory Group.

Working alongside a peer in a similar role, you’ll coach and support your team, uphold statutory compliance, and help shape a culture of planning excellence. This is a hands-on leadership role with a strong focus on continuous improvement, capability building, and customer responsiveness. You’ll also work across internal departments, with iwi partners, external consultants and contractors, to support high-quality, timely, and legally sound planning outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and support a team of regulatory planners and support staff
• Provide technical oversight and review planning decisions for quality and compliance
• Champion performance, service delivery, and process improvement
• Oversee contractor work and support hearing preparation
• Foster strong relationships across council, community, and mana whenua
• Contribute to budgeting, reporting, and navigating reforms

About You

You’ll have a tertiary qualification in planning or resource management and over 5 years’ post-grad experience, ideally in local government. You bring proven leadership or mentoring skills, with strong knowledge of the RMA and District Plans. NZPI membership (or equivalent) is preferred. You’re confident in consent processing, coaching, and engaging stakeholders, and are analytical, organised, and adaptable. Experience in regulatory planning, technical team leadership, and working in political or iwi partnership contexts is a plus.

Why Apply?

• Help shape the future of one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities
• Join a supportive, purpose-driven council focused on liveability and sustainability
• Lead with impact in a role that blends technical oversight with team leadership
• Enjoy flexibility, professional development, and a values-based culture

How to Apply:

To express your interest, please submit your CV and a cover letter to enquiries@taumata.co.nz quoting vacancy reference #66.

For further enquiries, contact Naomi Widener on 021 069 1457 or email via naomiw@taumata.co.nz, or John Bell on 021 599 586.