Thriving together - mō te taiao, mō ngā tāngata.
Our environment and our people go hand-in-hand.

• Full time, fixed term position until June 2029

The nine councils of the Bay of Plenty have established the Bay of Plenty Regional Spatial Plan Programme 2026-2029 to develop the region's first Regional Spatial Plan under New Zealand's new resource management system.

We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead the coordination, integration and delivery of this significant region-wide programme. This is a unique opportunity to work across local government, central government, iwi and strategic partners to help shape the long-term future of the Bay of Plenty.

Te āhuatunga a te tūranga | About the role

As Programme Manager, you will provide region-wide programme leadership across the nine Bay of Plenty councils, ensuring the Regional Spatial Plan Programme progresses efficiently, meets statutory requirements and delivers agreed strategic outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating, sequencing and integrating multiple programme workstreams across partner organisations.
• Leading programme planning, reporting, assurance and quality management processes.
• Managing programme risks, issues, dependencies and critical delivery pathways.
• Supporting and reporting to governance groups including the Spatial Planning Committee, Chief Executives' Forum, Programme Steering Group and Joint Programme Team.
• Managing consultancy contracts and specialist inputs.
• Building strong relationships with councils, mana whenua, central government agencies and other key stakeholders.
• Supporting approaches that give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments and tangata whenua participation in regional spatial planning.

Ō pūmanawa | Your skills and experience

We're looking for someone who can successfully operate in a complex, multi-partner environment and bring people together to achieve shared outcomes.

You will have:

• Significant experience managing complex programmes involving multiple organisations and stakeholders.
• Experience working with governance groups, senior executives and elected members.
• Strong programme management, planning and reporting capability.
• Experience navigating ambiguity, change and evolving legislative frameworks.
• Excellent written, verbal and relationship management skills.
• Experience working collaboratively across organisational boundaries.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in a Bay of Plenty context.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent senior-level experience.

What will make you successful?

You will be:

• A trusted relationship builder with a demonstrated ability to influence effectively across partners, organisations and stekholders.
• Comfortable working with elected members, chief executives, senior leaders and technical specialists.
• Collaborative, resilient and solutions-focused.
• Organised and capable of managing multiple priorities and competing demands.
• Committed to delivering results while maintaining strong partnerships.
• Able to see the bigger picture and align diverse interests towards a common goal.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in one of the Bay of Plenty's most significant strategic planning initiatives. You will help shape how growth, infrastructure, housing, environmental outcomes and community wellbeing are planned across the region for future generations.

Ko wai mātou | Who we are

Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council is responsible for land, air and water as well as public transport and economic development. A major focus of our work involves looking after the environment. We manage the effects of people's use of freshwater, land, air and coastal water. However, we also have a broader responsibility with others for the economic, social and cultural well-being of the regional community.

We are a values-driven organisation, that really cares about our people.  Who you are is important to us and we welcome diversity as an opportunity to grow our teams and are keen to support people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religions and abilities. We want Toi Moana to be a place where you bring your whole self to work.

Highlights of working with us include:

• Varied and challenging work.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Flexibility with the way you work.
• A competitive remuneration and leave package, including additional paid leave over Christmas/New Year, employer paid insurance, well-being initiatives. 
• A commitment to supporting you grow and develop.

This role is located in Tauranga.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Click APPLY NOW or contact Adele Hadfield, Strategy and Planning Manager or Sharlene Pardy, Team Leader Policy (Environmental) on 0800 884 880 for a confidential discussion.

To access a copy of Te Tūranga Mahi (Job Description) please click on the following link or copy and paste it into your web browser: https://tinyurl.com/bdcrx4k2

NB: To apply for this job, you must have the legal right to be able to work in New Zealand and also a current, valid driver's licence.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may commence before the closing date. We may close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is identified.