Description
people strategy
workforce planning
employment relations
health & safety
leadership coaching
organisational development
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Chief People Officer will lead high‑performing People, Health & Safety, and Organisational Development functions and work in close partnership with the Chief Executive and Executive Directors to guide the organisation through complex change. You’ll bring clarity, confidence, and credibility to people leadership — supporting leaders to navigate employment complexity, lift engagement, and lead through transformation with transparency and care. This is a role for a strategic, hands‑on leader who understands the realities of public sector change and can turn people strategy into tangible cultural and performance outcomes.
- Lead the organisation’s People & Capability functions, setting clear direction and expectations that enable a high-performance, values-led culture.
- Partner with the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team to lead the people dimensions of local government change, supporting leaders to navigate complexity with confidence and care.
- Drive the development and delivery of people strategies that lift capability, engagement, and performance across the organisation.
- Lead employment relations, remuneration and workforce planning frameworks that are robust, fair, and fit for a highly regulated public sector environment.
- Champion health, safety and wellbeing as a core part of how Council operates, embedding safe and sustainable practices as business as usual.
- Develop, coach, and lead a high-performing People & Capability team that delivers trusted advice, practical solutions, and continuous improvement.
Requirements
senior leader
change management
employment law
executive partner
communication
māori language
Before joining, candidates must complete pre‑employment checks, including criminal background checks, and where required, health screening and drug testing. NCC employees may also be called upon to support Civil Defence emergencies when the community needs assistance.
- Highly credible senior people leader with significant experience operating at executive or senior management level in complex, regulated organisations.
- Proven ability to build and sustain high‑performing teams, setting clear direction while empowering others to lead and deliver.
- Demonstrated success leading organisational change, culture programmes, and workforce transformation in the public or similar sectors.
- Strong, practical understanding of New Zealand employment legislation and people best practice, applied with sound judgement.
- Confident influencer and trusted advisor, able to partner effectively with executives, people leaders, unions, and governance stakeholders.
- Clear, thoughtful communicator who can translate complex people issues into practical, people‑centred solutions.
- Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga and NCC Kapa Haka.
- Te Reo Māori language classes.
Benefits
This is a permanent, full‑time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday, based in Napier’s CBD. The annual salary package ranges from $168,100 to $197,800 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on skills and experience, and relocation packages are available for suitable candidates from outside Hawke’s Bay.
- 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years service.
- Discounted Health Insurance Work Scheme plus eye test subsidy.
- Retailer discounts and study assistance.
- Employee Assistance Program (OCP).
- Quarterly values awards, birthday vouchers, and social club.
- Free annual flu vaccinations.
Training + Development
Information not given or found