Corporate & Strategic Planning Manager

Corporate & Strategic Planning Manager
Buller District Council | Westport, New Zealand
Permanent | Full-time | 40 Hours per week

Join the Buller District Council Team! | Hono atu ki te roopu Kaunihera a rohe o Buller!
Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for shaping the future of local communities? Buller District Council is seeking a highly skilled Corporate and Strategic Planning Manager to lead our long‑term and annual planning processes, drive organisational performance reporting, and support strategic development across the organisation.

Who are we? | Ko wai tatou?
At Buller District Council, we are a dedicated, customer-focused team committed to maintaining the beauty of our region—from Karamea to Punakaiki and inland to the environs of Reefton. This is your unique opportunity to step into the wilderness and make a tangible difference in the Buller District. If you possess the expertise and a proactive attitude to deliver exceptional service to our community, we’d love to hear from you! 

Why Join Us? | He aha te hono mai ki a mātau?

Thrive in a values-driven workplace that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and professional development through various learning opportunities, benefits, and recognition.

• Shape the future of Buller – lead strategic growth and sustainable development


• Work in a scenic district with a great lifestyle balance.


• Be part of a collaborative and supportive team with a high focus on wellbeing


• Subsidised Southern Cross health insurance
  

What Will You Do? | Ka aha koe?
Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the development of the Long‑Term Plan, Annual Plan, Annual Report, and other statutory planning documents.
  


• Writing clear, accessible non‑financial content for major Council publications and consultation materials.


• Providing strategic planning advice across Council and ensuring alignment with the Local Government Act 2002.


• Developing and improving corporate planning, reporting systems, and performance measures.


• Coordinating quarterly and annual non‑financial performance reporting.


• Managing consultation and community engagement processes for statutory documents and key policies.


• Supporting community engagement initiatives and ensuring community voices are reflected in Council decision‑making.


• Preparing demographic, financial, and activity data to support evidence‑based decision‑making.


• Contributing to submissions, investigations, and reports relating to legislative or policy changes.


• Participating in cross‑Council strategic projects, working groups, and organisational planning initiatives.

Who Are You? | Ko wai koe?
We are looking for someone with:

Essential:

• 3+ years’ experience in corporate planning, policy, or a related field (ideally within local or central government).


• Strong understanding of the Local Government Act and the wider local government environment.


• Exceptional writing skills with the ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible content.


• Confident interpreting legislation and applying it to planning and reporting processes.


• Proven project management capability and experience managing large, multi‑author documents.


• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work across teams and with elected members.


• Collaborative, adaptable, and able to work effectively under pressure.


• Professional, reliable, and committed to high‑quality public service.


• Strategic thinker who can align work with long‑term organisational goals.


• Tertiary qualification in Social Science, Law, Public Policy, or a related field.

Desirable:

• 5+ years’ experience in corporate planning, public policy, or legislative interpretation.


• Advanced understanding of local government legislation and statutory planning processes.


• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field.


• Formal project management training or certification.


• Experience working directly with iwi, community groups, or diverse stakeholder environments.


• Demonstrated ability to lead or contribute to cross‑organisational strategic initiatives.

Our Mission | To tatou misioni
To serve the residents of the Buller district, conscious of their needs, by providing facilities and services and creating an appropriate environment for progress and development while preserving the distinctive natural environment, as well as the cultural and historical environments.

If you're ready to make a significant impact and work in a supportive, forward-thinking environment, we’d love to hear from you!

Please find the position description here: https://tinyurl.com/3z2eun9e

All applications are required to be accompanied by a cover letter and a copy of your current Curriculum Vitae.
Any enquiries about this role please email: [email protected]

Applications close: Friday, 29th May at 3PM