Job Description

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

As the Lead & Coach for the Whau and Waitākere Ranges Local Boards, you will lead, coach, and develop your team (8 direct reports) who focus on delivering library and community development experiences for our communities and customers. This role will have significant responsibility for the establishment of Te Hono, Avondale’s new library and community hub (due to open mid-2027), and is the key relationship holder with the Lopdell Trust who manage the Lopdell Precinct in Titirangi.

Overseeing Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland Council) local place based and local community development services in the Whau and Waitākere Ranges Local Board areas, your inspirational leadership will enable your teams to innovate and change, grow capability, improve outcomes for the community, and deliver outstanding services for and with the people and diverse communities of the Whau and Waitākere Ranges.

Places in this portfolio include: Titirangi library, the Lopdell Precinct, Glen Eden Library, New Lynn Community Hub, Blockhouse Bay library and Avondale library (which will close as we transition to Te Hono). This is a full-time permanent role, that includes travel across the West Region in particular, and into the CBD.

Day to day your responsibilities include:

• Leading kaimahi and work across the Whau and Waitākere Ranges local board areas, collaboratively nurturing relationships and developing a deep understanding of the communities served across those local board areas.
• Sustaining and growing the relationship with the Lopdell Trust
• Strategically leading and coaching your team to deliver exceptional community engagement, arts & libraries experiences
• Awhi your direct reports and their teams in talent recruitment, community engagement, team development, and learning and performance
• Developing and growing positive relationships with Local Board and other elected members and key stakeholders
• Developing and delivering quality advice to Local Boards
• Growing capability within and improving outcomes for Whau and Waitākere Ranges communities.
• Developing key relationships with stakeholders to ensure high quality and reliable operational delivery.

He kōrero mōu: About you

We are looking for an experienced People Leader who drives positive staff engagement and wellbeing, some of the key skills and attributes we will be looking for include:

• Commitment to embedding mātauranga Māori in all aspects of service
• Ability to foster collaboration, build strong relationships and develop and inspire others
• Sharp political acumen and financially literate
• Confident and experienced in dealing with staff and customer challenges
• An operational problem solver who understands operational delivery across a range of services whilst also understanding the strategic focus needed

• Experience in leading distributed teams, managing stakeholders, planning, and budgeting

• Library leadership experience would be an advantage, but not essential.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

This is a true leadership role, where you can make a significant contribution to the people and diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau. If you thrive and gain satisfaction from leading with authenticity and developing and inspiring others – the scope is all here.

On top of this, as part of our Auckland Council Group, you will gain access to many benefits and discounts including:

• Option to buy an additional week’s annual leave

• Four weeks annual leave, plus an additional week after five years

• Additional day of leave for community activities

• Discounts on attractions such as the Maritime Museum, Auckland Zoo & Auckland Art Gallery

• Discounted Health & Life Insurance Policies

• Flexible and supportive work environment

• 3.5% KiwiSaver on top of your salary

As part of our organisation, please view a range of our benefits

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini: My success is not mine alone, but the success of many.

Tono Mai: Apply Now!

To view a copy of the position description, click here.

Applications close: Friday 5th June at 11.59pm

This role is a band J, we are expecting to appoint the successful applicant at a salary of between $140 - $165k per annum, depending upon skills & experience.

Auckland Council 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.