Job Description

Company Description

Our purpose is to improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians. To fulfil our purpose, we need to become the leading community-focused Council, so that Hamilton's full potential can be unlocked – making it the best place to live

Job Description

He angituutanga: The opportunity

As the Assistant to the Unit Director, you provide proactive, high-quality executive and administrative support that enables the Unit Director and wider team to focus on delivering strategic outcomes for the organisation and community. Acting as a trusted partner and key point of coordination, you anticipate needs, manage competing priorities, facilitate effective communication, and ensure the seamless operation of the Unit's day-to-day activities.

• The Unit Director is supported effectively, aware of key information in a timely manner and enabled to fulfill their purpose and outcomes within the organisation.
• Administering the day-to-day operations of the Unit Director; screening and directing the Unit
• Director’s inbox, diary management, providing priorities for the day, managing multiple deadlines, and upholding confidentiality.
• Excellent customer service is delivered, and communication flows clearly in and out across the organisation.
• Relationships with key stakeholders (internal and external) are enhanced through regular and informative meetings and informal communications and/or briefings.
• Organisation of Unit events including catering, transportation, venues, communication, ordering equipment and following up on service requests.
• Raise purchase orders and assist with the finances.
• Assist with procuring consultants and legal advisors when required.
• Coordinate LGOIMA requests and monthly reports for external agencies to ensure they are managed in a timely and accurate manner.
• In conjunction with the Team Leads and Unit Director, work to provide timely responses to complex political and public enquiries.
• Coordinate meeting minutes, agendas and records actions to support the Leadership Team.
• Coordinate all Unit customer complaints in conjunction with Team leads to ensure all customer complaints are responded to in a timely manner and are resolved.
• Provide liaison between Unit Manager and the CE/GM Office and other managers to provide and/or exchange information to achieve agreed deadlines.
• Opportunities are sought and implemented to improve systems and processes throughout the Unit.
• Participate as a member of the Unit Leadership Team, making a full contribution to always promote corporate values and vision

Qualifications

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• Proven experience in assisting senior managers, preferably a minimum of 5 years.
• Experience exercising discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Highly proficient in the use of the Microsoft office suite of products, tools systems including technology and virtual meeting set ups.
• Professional level of communication skills (via phone, written, and in-person).
• Excellent organisational skills with an ability to think proactively, apply problem solving skills and prioritise a varied and demanding workload.
• Experience working in a political or local government environment (preferred, but not essential).
• Experience in a role with breadth across a complex, varied environment.
• Qualities and attributes:
• A proven track record of thinking differently, acting with integrity, working together and making it happen.
• Calm under pressure and proven ability to work through complex situations with minimal direction.
• Self-awareness, that mindset, is the foundation of performance and an ability to develop self and others in this regard.
• High levels of emotional and social intelligence

Additional Information

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary?

Circa $82,000 dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now!

• View the Position Description
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 22 September 2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.