Northland Regional Council’s role is to care for and protect Taitokerau Northland's environment and communities. Does that resonate with you? 

Ko te aha ā mātou mahi?  / What work do we do?

We’re focused on creating a healthy environment, strong economy and resilient communities - matching our skills and resources with the vision and aspirations of our people. Our mahi involves working in partnership with tāngata whenua and our communities to protect and care for our waters, land, air and native life, while building our region’s resilience and adapting to a changing climate. When you join us, you’re part of something bigger- helping Taitokerau thrive for generations to come. 

Toitū te whenua, toitū te moana, toitū te tangata. If the land is well, if the sea is well, the people will thrive.    

Te āheinga / The opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to lead the strategic functions that help shape the future direction and performance of the organisation. As Corporate Strategy Manager, you'll work across the business to ensure robust corporate planning, strong governance, effective risk management, and continuous improvement are embedded in how we operate. Partnering closely with senior leaders and elected members, you'll help turn strategy into action and ensure the organisation is well positioned to deliver meaningful outcomes for our communities. You'll be comfortable operating at all levels of the organisation, leading complex conversations, facilitating groups, presenting to decision-makers and building alignment around challenging issues.

You'll lead a diverse portfolio spanning strategic corporate planning, organisational performance, governance, risk, policy, and business improvement. Bringing together people, processes, and strategy, you'll help strengthen organisational capability, support informed decision-making, and drive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and excellence across the organisation.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• •    Leading strategic corporate planning and reporting processes, including Long Term Plans, Annual Plans, Annual Reports, and other key initiatives.
• •    Providing oversight of organisational performance, audit, risk, and compliance frameworks to support informed decision-making.
• •    Supporting high-quality governance by providing strategic guidance on policy, legislative requirements, and elected member processes.
• •    Driving business improvement initiatives that strengthen organisational capability, efficiency, and service delivery.
• •    Building strong relationships across the organisation and with external stakeholders to support collaboration, innovation, and long-term success.

He kōrero mōu / About you

This is a role for a strategic thinker who enjoys seeing the bigger picture, influencing positive change, and helping an organisation perform at its best. In addition, you will bring the following:

• •    Relevant degree qualification.
• •    Proven knowledge of local government landscape. 
• •    Confident facilitation and presentation skills, with experience leading workshops, briefings and complex discussions with senior leaders, elected members and diverse stakeholder groups.
• •    Strong influencing and relationship-management skills, with the ability to build credibility and achieve organisational outcomes across functions where there may be competing priorities.
• •    Sound political acumen and judgement, with the ability to navigate complex or sensitive issues and provide clear, pragmatic and trusted advice to senior leaders and elected members.
• •    Demonstrated ability to lead organisational change and improvement, bringing people with you and turning strategic direction into practical implementation.
• •    Significant experience in corporate planning using relevant law, rules and norms (with an eye for detail) and in practical project management.
• •    Demonstrated experience in leading policy development and the processes around it.
• •    Knowledge of relevant legislation and risk management assessments and ability to use these in over­view and ensure others to likewise.
• •    Experience in business systems, financial and operational performance analysis.
• •    Effective and demonstrable leadership and management skills and experience in a role where these aspects are crucial.
• •    Working knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and partnerships with Māori.

Ko te aha ngā painga o te mahi kei konei? / What are the benefits of working here?
Just as you care about your community and environment, NRC cares about you and your wellbeing. Our organisation celebrates collective efforts and achievements and recognises every individual for their contributions and dedication to their mahi.    
We understand the importance of flexibility, so we’re committed to alternative working arrangements for our staff. We offer a range of flexible work arrangements to suit our people’s varied lifestyles, commitments and cultural needs.

Tono mai / Apply
The mahi we do really makes a difference, so if you are motivated to help nurture our region’s taiao, we are keen to learn more about you. Want to have a kōrero with us first, or just need more information? If so, contact our Recruitment Advisor, Tannis Turnbull (tannist@nrc.govt.nz). To view the job description, visit our careers site where the following link will work: JD Corporate Strategy Manager

Applications close on 4 November 2026  
We review applications as they are received. Apply online now, as the close date may change. Please note that we do not accept email applications.
Applicants for this position should have NZ residency/citizenship, or a valid NZ work visa.