This is an influential executive role with scope across strategy, policy, consenting, compliance, iwi and hapū engagement, and marine navigation and safety.

Executive influence - Join the Executive Leadership Team and advise the Chief Executive and elected members.
Broad portfolio - Lead the Resource Management group across policy, regulation, strategy and operational delivery.
Regional legacy - Build trusted partnerships and deliver outcomes that matter for Taranaki now and into the future.

Mō mātou | About us

Taranaki Regional Council works with the community to make our region a fantastic place to live, play and do business.

Our main office is in Whakaahurangi, Stratford, at the heart of Taranaki. The location offers an enviable mix of connected communities, a practical commute, easy access to the coast and maunga, and a lifestyle that is hard to match.

We are looking for an experienced, values led executive who will bring people together, lift capability and lead with clarity in a complex statutory and public operating environment.

Watch the video to find out more about Taranaki Regional Council's kaupapa, culture and the impact of our mahi.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Reporting to the Chief Executive and working as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Director Resource Management provides strategic and professional leadership across the Council’s Resource Management functions. The role leads a directorate of approximately 45 staff, including six direct reports and is accountable for high-quality advice, effective service delivery, sound financial management and a positive, high performing culture.

Key areas of leadership include:

leading the development and delivery of the Resource Management Strategy and Roadmap, aligned with the Council’s Long Term Plan and strategic direction
providing strategic advice to the Chief Executive, Council and its committees
leading resource management policy and planning, resource consents, compliance monitoring and enforcement, and relevant general policy functions
overseeing harbour safety, navigation and marine pollution planning and response responsibilities
building effective partnerships with tangata whenua, iwi and hapū, and providing leadership on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao Māori and mātauranga Māori
developing trusted relationships with communities, government agencies, local authorities, industry, science specialists and other key stakeholders
leading through regulatory reform, organisational change and evolving community expectations
building leadership capability, supporting staff development and creating a culture where people are empowered to perform at their best.

Further details on the role can be found below, or for any other questions please contact our People and Wellness team on [email protected]

Job Description – Director Resource Management

Mōu | About you

You will be an accomplished senior leader who can move confidently between governance, strategy, technical complexity, stakeholder relationships and operational delivery. You will bring sound judgement, political awareness and the ability to communicate clearly when issues are sensitive or under public scrutiny.

You are likely to offer:

a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in resource management or another relevant field, with a management qualification being an advantage
at least 15 years of relevant resource management experience in a public sector environment
extensive senior or executive leadership experience, ideally in local government, central government, regulation, infrastructure, environmental management or a similarly complex setting
professional, technical and practical credibility across multiple resource management disciplines
a strong record of leading multidisciplinary teams, developing people and creating an inclusive, accountable and enabling culture
experience developing and implementing strategic frameworks, major work programmes and service improvement initatives
demonstrated success building strategic partnerships and influencing a wide range of stakeholders at executive and governance level
a working knowledge of the legislation relevant to regional councils and an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities, tikanga Māori, Te Ao Māori and mātauranga Māori
confidence presenting in public and through the media, supported by highly developed written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

He aha ai a Taranaki Regional Council? Why join us?
This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of an entire region while working with committed people who care deeply about Taranaki. You will have the mandate to lead across a broad and meaningful portfolio, contribute at executive level and help shape how the Council responds to major changes in the resource management system.

Five weeks + one day annual leave entitlement
Active social club
Onsite gym
Flexible working options
Free car parking
Training opportunities within each role

Interested? Here's How to Apply

Click the apply button and include your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and the experience you would bring. Further information is available in the job description.

For a confidential discussion or questions about the recruitment process, please contact the People and Wellness team at [email protected] or on 0800 736 222.

Applications close at 5.00pm on 20 November 2026. We may review applications as they are received and begin the selection process before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.

Taranaki Regional Council is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. If this opportunity excites you but your experience does not align perfectly with every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

You must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. As an Accredited Employer, Taranaki Regional Council may be able to support eligible applicants through the Accredited Employer Work Visa where applicable.