Senior Strategic Advisor - Property

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

Are you a property law expert ready for a lifestyle change and a role with real impact? Join us at Tauranga City Council and help shape the future of our city through smart, strategic property work.

We’re looking for a Senior Strategic Advisor - Property to lead the legal side of property transactions and provide trusted advice across a wide range of city-shaping projects. This is a role for someone who thrives on complexity, enjoys working with people, and wants to see their work make a difference.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead strategic property and development projects, providing legal advice and helping guide decision-making from start to finish.
• Draft and review legal documents for property transactions, including leases, licences, easements, and sale and purchase agreements.
• Support land acquisition processes, including identifying suitable land for Council-led initiatives and managing legal aspects of purchase and negotiation.
• Advise on property investment and development options, helping Council assess risks, opportunities, and long-term planning needs.
• Ensure projects are well scoped and resourced, with clear legal input into budgets, timelines, and stakeholder engagement.
• Manage legal risk and ensure compliance, making sure all property-related activities align with relevant laws, regulations, and Council policies.
• Collaborate across teams, building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support Council’s strategic goals.

We’re not just about property — we’re about people, place, and purpose. You’ll be part of a team that’s passionate about making Tauranga a better place to live, work, and play. We offer flexibility, a supportive culture, and the chance to work on projects that matter.

Ngā Pukenga | What you’ll need to succeed

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring

• A Bachelor of Laws degree and at least 5 years’ experience in property advisory and/or transactional legal services.
• Strong knowledge of local government processes, land law, and development-related legislation.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, with a practical and solution-focused approach.
• A strong understanding of legal risk management and compliance frameworks.
• Ability to think strategically and contribute to long-term planning and investment decisions.
• Confidence working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain legal concepts clearly to non-lawyers.
• Excellent relationship-building skills — with internal teams, iwi and hapū, developers, property owners, and community groups.
• A collaborative mindset and a passion for enabling projects that make a real difference.

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 Phil Kai Fong at phil.kaifong@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 Thursday 18th September

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: Senior Strategic Advisor - Property