Principal Advisor, Strategy - Ref: 562

Full Time - Permanent 

About the role 

We are looking for an experienced Principal Advisor who has what it takes to succeed in a dynamic and challenging role. 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 Strategy team, you will play a core role in the development of the district’s strategic direction and vision, and the Council’s strategic work. This includes leading and supporting others to lead development of strategic models and approaches to drive and measure the success of our work, including leading review or development of specific strategies or other strategic documents when required.  

 Skills and Experience 

  • Strengths at working collaboratively to develop, review and guide implementation of strategies and strategic frameworks 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. This would include experience in taking long term and broader regional or national perspectives when making decisions and recommendations. 

  • 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 

 Please read the Job Description [PDF 297 KB].  [PDF 297 KB]

 About us 

Beautiful beaches and a short journey to or from Wellington make the Kāpiti Coast a great place to live and work. Working for the Kāpiti Coast District Council means being part of a caring, dynamic and effective customer-focused team who makes a positive difference in the community we serve.  To find out more about where we are heading you can see our Long Term Plan 2024-2034 consultation document here. 

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. 

Enquiries about this position should be directed to Gina Anderson-Lister, Manager Strategy & Policy on 04 296 4700 or free phone 0800 486 486. 

How to apply 

The preferred candidate will be required to undergo the usual pre-employment checks, including drug and alcohol screening and criminal history. Please note you must be eligible to work in New Zealand. 

 Apply here.*  

*Before you apply, please ensure that you have the following documentation ready: your cover letter, CV, a copy of your work visa (if applicable) and Drivers Licence.   

Closing 12.00pm on Monday 8 September 2025