Job Description

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

As Principal in the Blue-Green Networks team sitting within our Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience (HWFR) department, you’ll help shape an innovative programme that delivers visible, lasting benefits for local communities across Tāmaki Makaurau. The Blue-Green Network programme is focused on working in partnership to deliver integrated blue-green infrastructure that reduces flood risk and creates healthier neighbourhoods—enhancing streams and waterways, strengthening biodiversity, and unlocking social, cultural and economic co-benefits through regenerative, place-led design. This is the cutting edge of urban climate adaptation and mitigation.

Working closely with the Manager Blue Green Networks Regeneration, you will provide principal-level advice and leadership, removing blockers, and mentor team members to lift capability and support delivery at pace.

Day-to-day you could expect to work on:

• Setting up cross-council integration mechanisms, workflows and governance to enable consistent delivery at pace
• Resolving integration risks, gaps and trade-offs before they undermine project outcomes
• Partnering with Delivery and Regeneration Managers to strengthen decisions on complex, high-risk issues
• Building alignment across Planning, Parks, Urban Design, Property, Transport, Māori Outcomes and wider Healthy Waters functions
• Working with external partners (e.g., Watercare, Kāinga Ora, Waka Kotahi and developers) to maximise shared value
• Leading or guiding Initiate Business Cases, ensuring integrated outcomes, dependencies, risks and co-benefits are clear

Click here to view the Position Description.

He kōrero mōu: About you

You’re strategic individual who can operate autonomously at pace, bringing strong systems thinking and political acumen to complex, multi-stakeholder environments. You build trust quickly, read stakeholder dynamics with high EQ, and influence across functions.

You’re motivated by outcomes that improve flood resilience and community wellbeing, and you champion regenerative, nature-based and place-led approaches that deliver lasting value. You’ll also bring confidence in te Tiriti o Waitangi-based practice, with a commitment to meaningful partnerships that support Māori outcomes.

Specifically, we are looking for:

• A relevant tertiary qualification and a current NZ driver’s licence
• At least 10 years’ experience in senior advisory or strategic programme roles (ideally in government or similarly complex organisations)
• Proven success integrating strategy and delivery across multiple functions and stakeholders
• Experience progressing programmes and/or projects through business case development, investment logic and value-for-money thinking
• Capability in te Tiriti-based practice, including experience supporting mana whenua relationships and reflecting mātāwaka perspectives
• Understanding of water-sensitive urban design, blue-green infrastructure and/or climate adaptation and mitigation

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders.

We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement. 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.

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

Tono Mai: Apply Now!

Application close date: Thursday 4th of June at 11:59pm

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer. We serve the diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, educational background, or religious beliefs. We also welcome applications from our Rainbow communities as well as disabled and neurodivergent people. We are committed to making our hiring process accessible to everyone. If you require any support or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.