Job Description

Discover a career with purpose at Waitaki District Council

Waitaki District Council is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our 23,000 residents and creating a thriving, sustainable community. With a committed team of professionals, we provide essential services 24/7, ensuring the wellbeing of our district. We manage infrastructure, environmental conservation, community development, and regulatory services, responding to thousands of community interactions each year while proactively addressing local needs and challenges.

We’re committed to specific goals and targets that emphasise our collaborative approach with iwi, local communities, other government sectors, and business partners. Together, living our organisational attitudes and behaviours, we will build a thriving one-team culture, enabling delivery of excellence in service for Waitaki.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

You’ll play an important part in our Strategy, Performance & Design Directorate, supporting the effective management and optimisation of Council’s diverse property portfolio — from community housing to the Oamaru Harbour and Airport, along with a range of commercial and strategic assets.

In this role, you’ll bring your technical property expertise to a mix of leasing, acquisitions and disposals, asset performance, and compliance. You’ll use data and insight to identify opportunities, improve performance, and provide clear, practical advice that supports Council’s long-term property objectives.

Working closely with teams across Council, you’ll help ensure our property portfolio is well-managed, fit-for-purpose, and delivering value for our community. You’ll contribute to strategic decision-making by assessing how assets are performing, identifying opportunities, and recommending actions

that balance commercial outcomes with community benefit. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys combining technical expertise with strategic thinking and wants to make a real difference in their community.

He aha taau e kawe mai | What you’ll bring

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience (3–5+ years) in property, asset, and contract management, ideally within a complex or public sector environment.
• Strong knowledge of property-related legislation and processes, including leasing, acquisitions/disposals, and compliance.
• Ability to analyse asset performance data and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations.
• Experience managing property portfolios and coordinating maintenance, renewals, or capital works.
• Confidence providing advice on complex property, title, risk, and contract matters.
• Strong planning, prioritisation, and delivery skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.

You’ll be:

• A trusted and commercially astute property professional.
• Strategic in your thinking, with a focus on long-term outcomes.
• Analytical and solutions-focused, using insight to drive improvements.
• Collaborative and effective at working across teams and stakeholders.

Mo tātou | About us

Waitaki District Council (WDC) is a dynamic and progressive local government organisation dedicated to serving the residents and communities of the Waitaki District. Our mission is to foster a thriving, innovative, and sustainable community through efficient and effective governance and service delivery. At WDC, we provide a wide range of essential services that contribute to the well-being and development of our district. These services include:

• Infrastructure and Environment: We manage and maintain roads, water supply, waste management, and recreational facilities, ensuring that our district's infrastructure meets the needs of our growing community.
• Community and Economic Development: We support local businesses, tourism, and community initiatives, promoting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.
• Regulatory Services: We ensure compliance with building, environmental, and public health standards to create a safe and healthy environment for all.
• Customer and Community Engagement: We actively engage with our community to understand their needs and provide high-quality customer service through various channels.

WDC is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration, striving to be a leading council that makes Waitaki a better place to live, work, and visit. Join us in our mission to build a vibrant and prosperous future for our district. WDC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. International research tells us that women and people from minority groups don't always apply for roles if they are concerned that they don't meet every single one of the requirements. We're open to talking to you about how your skills and experiences could be a great fit with what we need and what we’re
trying to achieve.

Me pēhea te tono | How to Apply

If this position sounds like you, click apply now and submit a tailored Cover Letter and CV. Before confirmation of hire, pre-employment checks will be undertaken which may include references, credit check, drug and alcohol testing and police vetting prior to any written offer being made.

All applications must be submitted online and will not be accepted directly via email.

All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The salary for this position will commence between $75,676 and $91,178 dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role.

Applications close Monday 27 April 2026.

For any queries related to this position, please contact people@waitaki.govt.nz