Job Description

Shape the future of Rotorua from the heart of city leadership
Rotorua Lakes Council is seeking an exceptional leader to join us as Principal Advisor – Mayor's Office. This is a rare opportunity to play a central role in supporting the Mayor, influencing strategic direction, and helping deliver positive outcomes for Rotorua's communities.
Reporting to the Chief People Officer and working closely with the Mayor and Chief Executive, you will lead the operation of the Mayoral Office and act as the Mayor's trusted advisor. You will be responsible for ensuring the priorities of elected members are effectively embedded across the organisation, translating governance direction into clear action and ensuring commitments are delivered. As the key link between governance and management, you will build strong relationships, foster alignment, and help navigate complex issues in a fast-paced and highly visible environment.
Success in this role will require strategic leadership, sound judgement, and the ability to influence outcomes across a broad range of stakeholders. You will serve as the principal point of escalation for complex matters, working across Council to remove barriers, resolve issues, and drive delivery. You will also lead a high-performing Mayoral Office team, ensuring seamless coordination of the Mayor's activities, priorities, communications, and key engagements.
We are looking for an experienced senior advisor or leader with a proven track record operating within local government, central government, or a similarly complex political environment. You will bring exceptional political acumen, the ability to build trusted relationships at governance and executive levels, and outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills. Your experience will demonstrate a capacity to influence without formal authority, coordinate competing priorities, and deliver results through collaboration and leadership.
You will hold a relevant tertiary qualification in law, political science, public policy, management, or a related discipline, or bring equivalent senior-level experience. A strong understanding of New Zealand's central and local government environments and legislative frameworks will be important, as will an appreciation of Te Ao Māori, tikanga Māori, and the ability to work effectively within Rotorua's unique bicultural context.
At Rotorua Lakes Council, our purpose is centred on our customers, our communities, and our people. We are committed to building a high-performing culture where integrity, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship guide everything we do. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside some of the region's most influential leaders, helping shape decisions that make a real difference for our community while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of beautiful Rotorua.
If you are a trusted and politically savvy advisor, skilled at building relationships, navigating complexity, and influencing outcomes that matter to communities, we'd like to hear from you.
This is a fixed-term position through to October 2028, aligned with the current local government electoral cycle.

Apply now and help turn vision into action for Rotorua!

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