Strategic Planning and Design Team Leader

Location: Selwyn

Strategic Planning and Design Team Leader

Senior leadership role with district-wide impact.

Build capability and inspire high performance.

Competitive salary + Life insurance + Flexible working

About the role
Reporting to the Head of Strategy, you'll lead a multidisciplinary team of planning, design, transport and open space specialists, bringing together diverse expertise to deliver integrated solutions that support Council's long‑term vision.

From district and regional spatial planning through to master planning, infrastructure project support and strategic advice, your team will play a critical role in shaping the physical development of our district. Your success will come not from being the technical expert in every discipline, but from your ability to lead people , foster collaboration, build capability and create an environment where great ideas and outcomes can thrive.

You'll provide leadership across a diverse portfolio of work, ensuring planning, design, transport and open space perspectives are aligned and contributing to Selwyn District Council's strategic priorities.

Key areas of involvement include:

Leading and developing a high‑performing multidisciplinary team.

Guiding district and regional spatial planning initiatives.

Overseeing feasibility studies and master planning that help shape future growth.

Supporting the planning and design outcomes of major infrastructure projects.

Providing strategic planning and regulatory support across the organisation.

Building strong relationships with iwi, communities, stakeholders and partner agencies.

Championing collaboration, innovation and integrated thinking across Council.

About you
We're looking for an experienced leader who can bring people together, inspire confidence and help others succeed.

You may come from a planning, design, infrastructure, strategy or related background, but what matters most is your ability to lead teams, navigate complexity and influence outcomes.

You'll bring:

Significant experience leading people in a complex environment.

A proven ability to build and develop high‑performing multidisciplinary teams.

Strong relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills.

A strategic mindset and the ability to see the bigger picture.

Confidence working across organisational boundaries and bringing people together around shared outcomes.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage a wide range of audiences.

Energy, positivity and a collaborative leadership style.

A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and community‑focused outcomes.

What we can offer

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

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and we are committed to working with our Treaty partner to deliver on our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

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