Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive

Tau ake rā te moana nei, e papaki kau ana ki te ākau tangata, kakenga waka ka mauru te tohu ki te arearenga o Mauao, he pou herenga mōu, he pou hononga mōu, kia herea ki te tika, kia herea ki te pono. Kia mau, kia ita, kia ū – haumi e, hui e, tāiki e!

Te Tūranga | About the role

This is a senior Executive Assistant role providing high‑level, trusted support to the Chief Executive of Tauranga City Council.

As Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive, you will manage the Office with discretion, foresight and professionalism. You will operate as a close partner to the CE, supporting effective decision‑making, enabling strategic priorities, and ensuring the smooth and confident functioning of the organisation’s most senior office.

The role works at pace and with complexity. It requires sound judgement, political awareness, and the confidence to engage with elected members, senior leaders and external stakeholders. You will also provide leadership across the EA/PA cohort, setting expectations, strengthening capability and improving consistency in executive support practices across Council.

This is a role for an experienced executive professional who is comfortable operating at the centre of the organisation and contributing to outcomes that matter for Tauranga.

Key features of the role include:

• Developing a deep understanding of the priorities and key outcomes for the Executive
• Trusted, strategic support to the Chief Executive in a public sector environment
• Leadership and influence across the EA/PA community
• Exposure to organisation‑wide strategy, executive decision‑making and civic activity

Ngā Pukenga | What you’ll need to succeed

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) providing executive‑level support to senior leaders, ideally in complex, political or public‑facing environments
• Exceptional judgement, discretion and professionalism, with a proven ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters
• Strong organisational awareness and the ability to anticipate priorities, manage competing demands and add value at an executive level
• Experience working alongside executive or personal assistants to share knowledge, encourage best practice, and continuously improve ways of working
• Clear, confident communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels
• Advanced capability in Microsoft Office and confidence working with systems, information and executive documentation
• Experience supporting executive travel, events, meetings and formal engagements

You will also demonstrate a strong alignment with our values and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Tō Tātou Kaunihera | About Tauranga City Council

Tauranga City Council is one of Tauranga’s largest employers, and we are always looking to attract great talent to join our driven, passionate, and community-focused team.

We always strive to ensure that you feel valued and supported in the workplace.

You can find out more about working at Tauranga City Council here.

Te Tukanga | How to apply

If you want to be part of an energetic, fun, and supportive team, then we'd love to hear from you. For more information, please contact Rob Field at rob.field@tauranga.govt.nz

Please note we will not be accepting applications via email. If you wish to apply, please click ‘Apply’ at the bottom of this page and follow the link.

Applications will close 7th June 2026

We’re committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those living with disabilities.
If you need any support or adjustments to take part in our recruitment process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruitment@tauranga.govt.nz

• You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.
• Tauranga City Council does not accept unsolicited contact or applications from recruitment agencies. We will not pay fees or commissions related to unsolicited contact.

Job Description: Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive