Policy and Bylaw Lead – Ref: 577
The opportunity | He angitūtanga
Are you an experienced policy professional, looking for your next opportunity?
Come and join our Strategy and Policy team and contribute to the Kāpiti Coast community!
You will be someone who can both lead complex projects that require a big picture view and critical thinking and be pragmatic and solutions-focussed to support the full range of tasks needed to get the job done.
As a member of the Policy and Strategy team with a focus on Policy and Bylaws, you will play a core role in the development of the district’s approach to policies and bylaws. This includes leading, and supporting others to lead, development of robust models and approaches to drive and measure the success of our work, including leading review or development of specific policies, bylaws and related documents when required.
This role will also be responsible for leading a small but well-formed team of policy professionals to deliver on the team’s work programme and provide cross-organisation advice and stewardship on internal and external policies and bylaws.
Skills and Experience
- Experience in policy and/or bylaw development at a Principal Advisor level
- Experience supporting and leading teams, including managing work programmes and delivery
- Strengths at working collaboratively to develop, review and guide implementation of policies and bylaws with internal and external stakeholders
- Sound political acumen, and the ability to operate in environments of political sensitivity, with a flexible, adaptable and pragmatic approach.
- Proven ability to work under pressure and to work with ambiguity.
- Demonstrated experience in implementing change strategies, and cross organisation programmes of work. This would include experience at providing an evidence-based approach and effectively obtaining, organising and analysing information.
- Track record of excellent communication skills both written and verbal at all levels.
- Demonstrated experience in systems thinking at local, regional and national levels. This would include proven experience in problem solving complex issues, including negotiation and problem resolution with multiple parties.
- Proven experience in building and maintaining high quality relationships and working with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation.
- Proven experience of effective influence, gaining the trust and confidence of others, with differing levels of experience and understanding.
- Demonstrated good level of knowledge of Tikanga Māori, awareness of Māori perspectives and of issues relevant to Māori.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritise Group and team work effectively to meet deadlines.
- A relevant tertiary qualification, eg, economics, public policy, business management or resource planning.
- Competent level of computer skills encompassing Microsoft Office products and ability and willingness to learn new/enhanced applications
The Strategy and Growth Group has some big goals for setting our organisation, and our district, up for success and we are keen to bring on board passionate people who want to make a difference for our community.
What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou
When you join Kāpiti Coast District Council you’ll enjoy a range of fantastic benefits, including:
- Dependant leave – because family matters.
- Thriving team culture – we work hard and support each other.
- Free access to pools – dive into fun.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tono
Applications close 14 October 2025 5:00pm so get yours in now!
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.
For more information regarding the role, please view the job description here. [PDF 308 KB]
Enquiries about this position should be directed to Gina Anderson-Lister, Manager Strategy and Policy on 04 296 4700 or free phone 0800 486 486.