Transformation Manager - Hawke's Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management

Transformation Manager - Fixed Term

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Te whakapakari tahi i tō tātau Taiao – Enhancing our environment together.

Our vision is a healthy environment and a resilient and prosperous community.

About The opportunity | Ko te āheinga:

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management (HB CDEM) Group undergoing significant transformation following Cyclone Gabrielle and in response to the evolving challenges of climate change. Operating as a shared service on behalf of the region’s councils, the Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management (HB CDEM) team take a regional and strategic approach to building resilience across communities, mana whenua, and partners. With our community at the heart of our civil defence system, our mission is to build strong connections, empower local voices, and enhance collaboration across the region to create a safe, informed and resilient Hawke’s Bay that is prepared for, responds to, and recovers from emergencies and disasters well.

We are looking for a Transformation Manager to join the Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management (HBCDEM) team on a fixed term basis (up to 12 months). This role will lead and coordinate the implementation of the Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Transformation Strategy, the Service Level Agreement (SLA), and changes arising from the independent review following Cyclone Gabrielle. This role is focused on delivering system-wide change to strengthen community resilience and enhance emergency management capability across the region. It is a pivotal role focused on delivering system-wide change that strengthens community resilience and enhances emergency management capability across the region.

You will work closely with the Director CDEM, councils, mana whenua, and partner agencies to transition emergency management functions to local authorities,  responsibilities, and ways of working in line with the strategic direction set by the HB CDEM Joint Committee.

This role requires a strong background in change management, programme delivery, and stakeholder engagement, with the ability to translate strategic intent into practical, coordinated action across multiple organisations.

This role also involves:

• Travel within the region and occasional travel elsewhere in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Participating in the 24/7 duty team roster and performing emergency response and recovery functions as necessary during emergencies.

About you | E pā ana ki a koe:

You will be a competent professional with proven leadership in managing teams through complex change, alongside strong project and programme management capabilities to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills will be key to building trust and influencing diverse stakeholders. You will demonstrate strategic thinking, analytical acumen, the ability to clearly convey and interpret data, and effective problem-solving in dynamic environments. Collaborative work practices and a sound understanding of tikanga Māori and Māori values—particularly in relation to emergency management and local government—are also key attributes.

Ideally you will also have:

• Tertiary qualification in Emergency Management, Public Administration, Change Management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in transformational leadership, ideally within emergency management, local government, or the broader public sector.
• Strong understanding of emergency management frameworks, regional and local governance structures, and public sector operational processes.
• A strong understanding of emergency management principles and practices, particularly around response and recovery.
• Valid driver’s licence required.

What we offer | Nga huanga mōu:

The salary range for this role is between $122,485 to $144,100 and will depend on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

Other benefits of working for our team include:

• Flexible working options to support work/life balance
• Subsidised eye tests and lenses, flu vaccinations, and other well-being initiatives
• Strong commitment to developing and upskilling people within a supportive working environment.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We recognise that collaborative and innovative organisations depend on having a workforce made up from a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. We're all about excellence, and we encourage open communication – if you need any specific support, just let us know! Our main goal is to empower each person to share their unique talents to contribute to the outcomes for our community. This commitment ensures that our workplace is a dynamic and progressive space where everyone can flourish.

HBRC is responsible for Civil Defence emergencies and as such, all staff may be called upon to support the response.

How to apply | I pēhea ki te whakauru:

Applications close Friday, 5 December 2025, however we will be shortlisting and interviewing appropriate candidates as applications are received. If you are interested in this position, please do not wait to apply as we may close the ad earlier than advertised.

Applicants must have existing rights to work in New Zealand.

To view the job description please visit our website here

Please apply through Seek. If you would like any further information regarding the role, please email hr@hbrc.govt.nz

About us | E pā ki a mātou:

At Hawke’s Bay Regional Council our purpose is to work with our community to protect and manage the region’s precious taonga of rivers, lakes, soils, air, coast and biodiversity for health, wellbeing and connectivity. Our organisation is diverse and our work is varied. Our structure comprises of six key business units; Corporate Services, Integrated Catchment Management, Asset Management, Māori Partnerships, Policy & Regulation, and the Executive Advisory Group which also consists of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

We focus on prioritising:

Te kounga o te wai, te haumarutanga me te mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi o te whakamarutanga | Water quality, safety and climate-resilient security. 

Kia koi, kia toitū hoki te whakamahinga o te whenua | Climate-smart and sustainable land use. 

Kia ora, kia āhei, kia mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi hoki te rerenga rauropi | Healthy, functioning and climate-resilient biodiversity. 

Kia toitū, kia mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi hoki ngā ratonga me ngā hanganga ā-whare | Sustainable and climate-resilient services and infrastructure.