Job Description

This role plays a critical part in enabling effective executive leadership across the Corporate & Commercial Services Directorate. Working closely with the Deputy Chief Executive and the Head of Commercial, Communications & Economic Development, you’ll provide high-level, proactive support that allows them to focus on strategic direction, decision-making, and delivering outcomes for Napier.

Acting as a central point of connection, you’ll link together senior leaders, elected members, and external stakeholders to support strong information flow, governance processes, and executive oversight. You’ll bring structure, foresight, and sound judgement to a fast-paced environment, ensuring priorities are well managed and nothing slips through the gaps.

You’ll also play a key role in how executive support continues to evolve. With a strong interest in leveraging digital and AI-enabled tools, you’ll help enhance executive effectiveness through smarter ways of working, including supporting strategic calendar management, meeting preparation, information synthesis, and proactive communication. Your ability to thoughtfully adopt emerging technologies, alongside your proven Executive Assistant experience, will help streamline workflows, improve foresight, and lift the overall quality of executive support.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Partner closely with senior leaders at the heart of Council, enabling strategic focus and high-quality decision making

• Provide proactive, high-level executive support that helps manage competing priorities in a complex, fast-paced environment

• Act as a central point of coordination, strengthening information flow across senior leaders, elected members, and external stakeholders

• Take ownership of complex workflows, bringing structure, foresight, and follow-through to ensure nothing is missed

• Contribute to the evolution of executive support by introducing and embracing smarter, more efficient ways of working

• Leverage digital and AI-enabled tools to enhance executive effectiveness, streamline coordination, and improve how work gets done

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• A highly experienced Executive Assistant (7+ years) who operates with confidence, sound judgement, and ease at a senior leadership level

• Exceptionally organised and proactive, with a strong ability to anticipate needs, manage complexity, and keep priorities on track

• A clear communicator with strong relationship management skills, able to build trust with senior leaders and stakeholders

• Forward-thinking and adaptable, with an interest in improving how work gets done and using tools and systems to enhance effectiveness

• Comfortable working in a dynamic, evolving environment where discretion, professionalism, and initiative are essential

• Demonstrated experience supporting senior leaders, with the ability to bring structure and clarity to competing demands

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks' annual leave after 2 years service

• Discounted health insurance work scheme + Eye test subsidy

• Retailer discounts + study assistance

• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)

• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club

• Free flu vaccinations (annual)

• Ka Awatea Cultural program+ NCC Kapa Haka

• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent, full-time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday. You’ll be based in Napier CBD.

The annual salary package for this role is $79,091 - $93,048 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer dependent on your skills and experience.

We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening and drug & alcohol testing). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

– EA to Deputy CE/ Executive Director Corporate & Commercial Services