Manager People and Wellbeing

Join Us at New Plymouth District Council!

Tūhono mai ki Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu!

Who Are We? | Ko wai mātou?

Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu – New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) is shaping the future of our district. We’re here to serve our community and create a place where people love to live, work and visit. Guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we’re committed to building strong partnerships that honour and celebrate our rich cultural heritage.

At Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu, we’re proud to be an inclusive and dynamic organisation that values people, creativity and progress. If you’re passionate about making a real impact and being part of something bigger, this is the place for you.

The Opportunity | Te āheinga

An exceptional opportunity has arisen to step into a pivotal leadership role, Manager People and Wellbeing.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and leading a team of 14 skilled professionals, you'll play a strategic role in shaping the future of our organisation through our people. As a trusted advisor to the Executive Leadership Team and leaders across the Council, you'll lead and integrate people, culture, organisational development, health, safety and wellbeing strategies that support a high-performing, safe, and engaged workforce.

This is much more than a traditional HR leadership position. You'll be at the forefront of organisational development, workforce planning, leadership capability, culture and change management, helping the organisation successfully navigate a dynamic and evolving environment. You'll support leaders and teams through change, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure our people strategies remain aligned with Council's vision, goals, and long-term priorities.

You'll champion an inclusive and positive workplace culture where people can thrive, while ensuring NPDC continues to attract, retain and develop talented employees who are committed to serving our community.

We're looking for an experienced, authentic, and future-focused leader who can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery, build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation, and inspire confidence through periods of change and transformation.

If you're passionate about creating exceptional workplace experiences, influencing organisational success through people and leaving a lasting legacy, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities | Ngā haepapa matua

• Lead the delivery of people strategies and initiatives that support organisational goals, culture, and workforce performance.


• Provide expert advice to leaders on workforce planning, organisational development, employee engagement, and culture.


• Oversee end-to-end HR services, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, remuneration, and policy development.


• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, health and safety requirements, and organisational policies.


• Lead learning, development, leadership, and capability-building programmes that support growth and continuous improvement.


• Champion organisational culture, employee engagement, wellbeing, and change management initiatives.


• Lead the organisation's health, safety, and wellbeing function, including risk management, reporting, wellbeing programmes, and occupational health activities.


• Oversee HRIS and HSW systems, ensuring data integrity, reporting accuracy, and the effective use of people insights.


• Lead, coach, and develop the People & Wellbeing team, fostering a collaborative, customer-focused, and high-performing culture.


• Build strong stakeholder relationships and drive continuous improvement across people processes, systems, services, and Council CCO partnerships.

Essential Skills and Experience | Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako

• Demonstrated experience as a senior HR management professional (at least 15 years) or relevant degree

• Proven leadership experience managing teams in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment

• Able to challenge ‘mental models’ in a positive and constructive way, to drive change and new thinking

• Sound knowledge and understanding of New Zealand employment legislation

• Proven experience working with the Health & Safety at Work legislation

• Ability to work strategically and implement positive organisational solutions

• Proven ability to build strong working relationships

• Solid experience with Employment and Industrial Relations, including bargaining

• Strong organisational and project management skills including change management experience

• Experience with the implementation and management of HRIS and HSW systems

• Experience with remuneration and performance frameworks

• Experience managing operational budgets and procurement processes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and superior interpersonal skills

• High level of computer literacy

Why Taranaki? | He aha ngā hua o te rohe nei?

Taranaki isn’t just a region - it’s a way of life. Here, you’ll find the perfect blend of career opportunities and lifestyle in one incredible place. Framed by the majestic Mounga Taranaki and the sparkling Tasman Sea, this is where you can hike world-class trails, surf uncrowded beaches and immerse yourself in a vibrant arts and culture scene – all within minutes of each other.

With affordable living, great schools and a strong sense of community, Taranaki is the ideal spot to live, work and raise a family. Whether you’re chasing adventure, craving tranquillity or looking for both, life here offers an unbeatable balance that makes every day extraordinary.

What We Offer | Ngā Ratonga

At New Plymouth District Council, we’re not just offering jobs – we’re building careers and creating a workplace where people thrive.

When you join us, you’ll discover:

• Clear career pathways - to help you grow and succeed


• Learning and development opportunities - that keep you ahead of the game


• Support for personal and professional growth - so you can be your best self

Plus, our People’s Package is designed with you in mind, covering five key pillars:
Wellbeing, Development, Benefits, Culture and Recognition.

Why Join Us? | Ngā hua o tō hono mai?  

Your wellbeing matters to us. We’re committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where your contributions are valued and celebrated. Together, we’re shaping a vibrant future for New Plymouth - one step, one idea, one achievement at a time.

Applications close 5 August 2026

Be part of a council that values people, culture, and opportunity.

Me tūhono mai koe kia tautoko I te Ngāmotu o āpōpō!

Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.