Job Description

We have a fantastic opportunity to step into a critical leadership role within Napier City Council on a fixed-term basis through to August 2027. Reporting to the Financial Controller, you'll lead a professional and dedicated team responsible for delivering an essential service to our organisation.

There is plenty happening across Council, making this an exciting time to join. You'll be part of a supportive leadership group, helping to shape continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring the delivery of accurate, compliant, and customer-focused payroll services.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real impact by empowering your team, strengthening capability, and providing expert technical support on complex payroll queries and escalations.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Lead the delivery of accurate, timely, and efficient payroll services across the organisation.

• Provide expert payroll advice to leaders and stakeholders.

• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, employment agreements, policies, and audit requirements.

• Optimise payroll systems, processes, and controls to support continuous improvement.

• Drive data integrity, governance, analytics, and reporting capability.

• Develop and mentor a high-performing payroll team.

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, software providers, government agencies, and external partners.

• Contribute payroll expertise to organisational projects and strategic initiatives.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

Our ideal candidate is an experienced people leader who thrives on developing others and creating a positive team environment. With a collaborative, approachable, and solutions-focused mindset, you enjoy supporting your team to succeed while fostering accountability and continuous improvement.

You bring strong technical payroll knowledge and can confidently navigate complex payroll queries, legislative requirements, and escalated issues. Comfortable balancing day-to-day operational demands with change initiatives, you're able to lead through ambiguity while maintaining a focus on service excellence. Your ability to communicate effectively, build trusted relationships, and influence stakeholders at all levels sets you apart.

Most importantly, you take pride in delivering exceptional outcomes for both your team and the wider organisation.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)

• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club

• Free flu vaccinations (annual)

• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka

• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a fixed term until August 2027, full time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You will be based in Napier

The annual salary package for this role is $100,511 - $112,336 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

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

– Payroll Manager