Manager Strategic Transformation - Ref: 551

The opportunity | He angitūtanga

We’re going for ‘good growth’ with our business community and need you!

Due to the exciting growth opportunities facing Kapiti, with more than $2 billion in investment planned over the next 5-10 years, our Council is looking for a hard-hitting and experienced strategist, with commercial experience, who has the ability to work alongside and advise business leaders, large and international investors, senior officials, and local and central government politicians about how we bring our collective aspirations for the district to life.

If this grabbed your attention, stop scrolling and start typing - we’re really keen to you hear from you and hope you’ll hit “apply” to put yourself in the running to join the senior management team in the Strategy and Growth Group.

This key position reports directly to the GM Strategy & Group and is one of eight senior managers within the Group who are responsible for the Council’s sustainable development functions and ensure there is a drive for ‘good growth’ in Kapiti. This role:

  • Sits alongside the GM of the Group to provide commercial and investment advice to the Council’s new external entities and ensure proposals are developed, and progressed, to return a monetary dividend back to Council and the district.
  • Has leadership oversight for complex issues related to sustainable development and economic growth, and will transition the Group’s operating model to provide effective support for Council’s new entities in housing and economic development.
  •  Leads the delivery of a programme of work, and key projects, to lift maturity across the local regulatory system.
  • Leads out on the Council’s Recovery programme (in the context of emergency events and safety) and is an Alternate Recovery Manager.

Why work with us? 

When you join Kāpiti Coast District Council you’ll enjoy a range of fantastic benefits, including:

  • A positive, ‘learning’ culture, and the commitment of a high-performing Executive Team – because working in an empowering and ‘good vibe’ environment matters.
  • Flexible working and dependant leave – because we know that it’s important to get the work/life balance right.
  • Free on-site parking – say goodbye to parking hassles.
  •  Free access to pools – dive into fun.
  • Council staff discounts – because who doesn’t love a good deal?

About you | He kōrero mōu

We won’t lie, the GM of the Group is hunting for a “star” who believes that local is where the magic happens. We need someone who not only wants to work for Council but already has experience in our district and working locally with our businesses, investors, elected members and Ministers (plus their offices). To lift the ante up one more level, the GM also wants someone who has worked in business internationally, or with internationals, so that they have the political savviness and ability to engage with stakeholders to showcase our potential as an opportunity of choice. 

You’ll know this role is for you if you are a ‘systems thinking’ problem-solver who has:

  •          An ability to juggle complexity, and to lead and support people in chaotic environments. Ideally, you’ll have at least 10-years-experience where you can showcase how you’ve managed people and teams, complex projects, risks and complex business analysis.
  •           Extensive experience, perhaps from working in a professional services firm, in undertaking functional and end-to-end system reviews, and maturity improvement.
  • Sound commercial experience in the private sector and start-up space, perhaps having operated or run your own (or family) business, or that you have established subsidiaries (special purpose vehicles) or commercial investment models.
  • A knack for influencing and gaining the trust and confidence of others, including  in complex situations with multiple stakeholders and where iwi and mana whenua have been key partners.
  • Exposure to emergency management and involvement in ‘Recovery’ operations, including where you’ve operated as an alternate Recovery Manager.
  •  Extensive policy experience related to growth, and regulatory matters, which would ideally cover awareness of the social and physical ‘infrastructure’ requirements to support thriving communities and sustainable development.
  •  A relevant tertiary qualification in business or planning, eg Economics, Resource Management, Strategic Management, Law, Public Policy or similar.

For more detailed information regarding the role, please view the job description here. [PDF 232 KB]

How to apply | Me pēhea te tono

Come and join us in supporting our district to grow well, and to work with our community and key stakeholders to ensure Kapiti is somewhere people see as a great place to live, work and play! Apply here.  Applications closing 5pm Friday 11 July 2025. 

Please note that we will be interviewing for the role from 15 July 2025, and will be looking to promptly appoint the right person.

You must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Please note preferred candidates are required to undergo pre-employment checks including drug and alcohol screening and Police checks.