Major Projects Director

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!

Following a recent organisational transformation, Tauranga City Council has realigned its structure  to future-proof the strategic and operational delivery. As part of this change, we have established a new senior leadership role – Major Projects: Director – a key strategic leadership position that reports directly to the Chief Executive who is supported by an appointed Board of Directors responsible for governing delivery of the programme..

Te Tūranga | About the role

As the Major Projects: Director you will provide strategic leadership and oversight of Tauranga City Council’s most complex, high-value, and high-risk capital infrastructure projects. These are significant projects, that cannot be effectively delivered through standard business-as-usual structures.

This role ensures these projects are delivered with integrity, transparency, and confidence through strong governance, robust organisational support, and clear accountability. Reporting to an independent governance board, the Director drives alignment with city-wide strategic priorities, Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments, and long-term planning frameworks.

The role champions innovation, delivery excellence, and meaningful stakeholder engagement to achieve transformative outcomes for Tauranga.

Some key outcomes for this role are:

• Leading strategic direction and ensuring strong governance practices.
• A strong emphasis on planning and delivery to achieve high-impact outcomes and value for money for the community.
• Fostering strong, transparent relationships with Mana Whenua, community groups, central government, and private sector partners. Ensuring all communications and engagement strategies reflect the Council’s commitment to community-centric development.
• Developing a high-performing team and a positive, accountable culture
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation.

Ngā Pukenga | What you’ll need to succeed

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Postgraduate qualification in Engineering, Urban Development, Public Policy, or a related field.
• 15+ years of senior leadership experience in infrastructure, civic development, or public sector programme delivery.
• Proven track record in leading complex, multi-stakeholder capital programmes.
• Deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and demonstrated commitment to partnership with tangata whenua.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with public sector funding and procurement.
• Sound people leadership, with the ability to create a high-performing team and work culture.
• Experience in providing high-level governance and reporting to the Chief Executive and boards.

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.

To highlight that our people are our greatest asset, we offer a wide range of benefits that include 5 weeks annual leave, flexible hours and work from home options, as well as career development opportunities. 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: 22nd August

We aim to attract a diverse pool of candidates that reflect our communities. It is a priority to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life are encouraged to apply for our positions. Should you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruitment@tauranga.govt.nz.

• Our selection process may include behavioural interview(s), reference checks, and pre-employment screening. For more information about our process please refer to the application process tab on our careers website.
• Tauranga City Council will not accept applications or contact from any placement service, temporary staffing agency, or professional recruiter for this vacancy. If/where Tauranga City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our network of agencies. We ask that you please do not contact Tauranga City Council or any of its employees regarding vacancies. Tauranga City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to such unsolicited contact.

Job Description: Major Projects Director