Strategic Policy and Insights Leader

• Lead high-impact strategic work that helps shape the future of the district and outcomes for the community
• Diverse and meaningful portfolio spanning strategy, policy, insights, and community engagement
• Flexible working, supportive leadership, and the opportunity to lead a skilled and collaborative team

This is a rare opportunity to lead strategic thinking and evidence-based policy in a time of significant change for local government. Reporting within our Strategy Team, you'll lead a high-performing team responsible for strategy and policy development, providing data and insights that guide strategic community-centred decision making.

Working closely with senior leaders, elected members, iwi, and stakeholders across the organisation, you'll help ensure Council is well‑positioned to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges, and the evolving needs of our communities.

As Strategic Policy and Insights Team Leader, you'll lead a diverse and influential portfolio that sits at the heart of Council's long‑term direction and decision making. This role combines strategic leadership, policy oversight, research and data insights, and people leadership, with a strong focus on ensuring Council is prepared for both current and future challenges.

• Leading the integration and ongoing development of Council's strategic framework and direction
• Providing high‑quality strategic and policy advice across areas including climate resilience, infrastructure planning, and long‑term community wellbeing
• Leading strategy, bylaw, and policy reviews to ensure legislative compliance and alignment with community expectations
• Overseeing Council‑wide data, insights, and research functions to support evidence‑based decision making
• Coordinating Council's response to government reform, including submissions, organisational analysis, and strategic advice
• Building a high‑performing, collaborative team culture focused on technical excellence and continuous improvement
• Working closely with senior leaders, elected members, iwi, and key stakeholders across the community

This role leads a small specialist team and is suited to someone who enjoys operating at both strategic and operational levels — providing trusted advice while building strong organisational capability and culture.

We're looking for a strategic and collaborative leader who can navigate complexity, build strong relationships, and bring clarity to challenging issues.

You'll bring

• Senior‑level experience leading strategy, policy, planning, or insights functions within a complex organisation
• Proven experience leading high‑performing teams and creating positive, inclusive team cultures
• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to see the wider organisational and community picture
• Excellent critical thinking and analytical capability, with the ability to translate complex information into practical advice
• Confidence working with senior leaders, elected members, iwi, community groups, and external stakeholders
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to adapt your style for a range of audiences
• Experience leading organisational change, continuous improvement, and modern ways of working
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to bicultural practice
• Ideally, experience within local or central government and an understanding of the public sector environment

• Great work‑life balance with flexibility
• Career coaching and development
• Life insurance
• Wellbeing and volunteer leave
• Three days paid leave between Christmas and New Year
• Two weeks paid Partners Leave
• Sick leave from day one
• Discounts with local and national businesses