Lead Communications & Engagement Partner

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

Tauranga is growing rapidly, and some of the most significant transport and infrastructure projects in the city’s history are helping shape how our communities live, move and connect. As our Lead Communications & Engagement Partner for the, Transport and Major Project portfolio, you'll sit at the heart of that change, helping tell the stories behind the projects that are transforming our city.

We're changing the way we deliver communications and engagement at Tauranga City Council, moving closer to the work, getting involved earlier and building stronger connections with the communities we serve. As part of our new portfolio-based structure, you'll play a key role in bringing that vision to life by providing strategic communications and engagement leadership across some of Council's most visible and complex programmes.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role where you'll partner closely with project teams, senior leaders and stakeholders to turn complex infrastructure projects into clear, compelling and accessible stories. You'll lead communications and engagement across multiple major projects, oversee portfolio priorities and workflow, and develop a high-performing team of communications and engagement professionals.

In this role, you'll:

• lead communications and engagement across multiple complex, high-profile transport and infrastructure projects
• provide strategic advice to project leaders and senior stakeholders
• identify opportunities, risks and community impacts early in the project lifecycle
• oversee portfolio planning, prioritisation and resource allocation across your team
• lead, coach and develop a dedicated team of communications and engagement professionals
• build trusted relationships with project teams, stakeholders and community partners
• translate technical and complex information into content communities can understand and connect with
• work collaboratively with Media Relations and Brand, Channels & Creative Services teams to deliver integrated communications
• bring fresh thinking and new approaches to community engagement and storytelling
• ensure communications and engagement activity is aligned to Council priorities and community outcomes

This is a unique opportunity to influence how some of Tauranga's most significant projects are understood, experienced and supported by our communities.

Ngā Pukenga | What you’ll need to succeed

You'll be a strategic communications and engagement professional who can see the big picture while remaining comfortable working in the detail. You'll thrive in a fast-paced environment, confidently managing multiple priorities while building strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

To succeed in this role, you'll bring:

• experience leading the prioritisation, planning and allocation of work across a team
• the ability to successfully manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• strong people leadership skills, providing clarity, direction and support
• exceptional relationship management and stakeholder engagement capability
• sound judgement and the ability to identify and manage communications risks early
• experience developing and delivering strategic communications and engagement plans
• the confidence to influence senior leaders and project teams
• excellent written and verbal communication skills
• a collaborative mindset and a willingness to roll up your sleeves when required

Experience working within the transport sector or on major infrastructure projects will be highly regarded. Local government experience is beneficial but not essential. We're looking for someone who brings fresh thinking, curiosity and a strong desire to help shape how we communicate and engage with our communities.

Tō Tātou Kaunihera | About Tauranga City Council

At Tauranga City Council, our work helps shape one of New Zealand's fastest-growing cities. From planning for growth and delivering critical infrastructure to creating great community outcomes, our people make a tangible difference every day.

This is an exciting time to join us. We're investing in our future, embracing innovation and strengthening our organisation so we can continue delivering value for our community. As our Lead Communications & Engagement Partner, you'll play an important role in helping our communities understand, influence and connect with the projects shaping Tauranga's future.

Located in the beautiful Bay of Plenty, Tauranga offers the opportunity to do meaningful, high-impact work while enjoying an exceptional lifestyle. Whether you're already here or considering relocating, you'll find a vibrant city, a strong sense of community and outstanding access to beaches, outdoor recreation and family-friendly living.

We offer:

• the opportunity to lead communications and engagement on some of Tauranga's most significant transport and infrastructure projects
• a key leadership role within a newly established portfolio model, helping shape how Council engages with its communities
• flexible and supportive ways of working
• five weeks' annual leave
• ongoing learning, career and professional development opportunities
• meaningful work that contributes directly to the future of our city and

If you're collaborative, forward-thinking and community-minded, you'll find meaningful work, talented colleagues and the opportunity to make a genuine difference here.

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

Te Tukanga | How to apply

To submit your application, please apply online, as we are unable to accept applications via email.

Applications will close 16th October

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.