Project Lead (Regional Spatial Planning)

Te whakaaetaka me te tautukuka Consents and Compliance Project Lead (Regional Spatial Planning) If you have strong project management skills and keen to have an impact, then this is the role for you! Otago's a pretty special place. It covers a vast area - the third largest local government region in New Zealand. Those who call Otago home enjoy access to mountains, coastal lowlands, dramatic rivers, and wild beaches. Our environment here is part of who we are. The Opportunity We are looking for a Regional Spatial Planning Project Lead on a fixed‑term (12 months), full‑time basis. The role will be based at one of the council offices in Otago, and will also involve regular travel across the Otago region. The Regional Spatial Planning Project Lead role is to provide independent programme‑level delivery leadership for the establishment and delivery of a Regional Spatial Plan for Otago. This work is a multi‑organisation legislated initiative that requires coordinated governance, disciplined project/programme management and strong cross‑council integration. It hasn’t been done in Otago before and will involve tight time‑frames, so will be complex to deliver. Responsibilities Establish the Regional Spatial Plan project and lead the end‑to‑end delivery of the plan on behalf of the region’s participating councils and associated governance bodies. Coordinate and integrate the work of the workstream leads and subregional inputs. Build and maintain constructive working relationships across participating councils, mana whenua partners, technical leaders, subject matter experts and external stakeholders. Work with technical leads and workstream leads to turn high‑level tasks into aligned workstreams and deliverables within scope, time and budget. About You Degree‑level qualification in project management, planning, public policy, public administration, geography, environmental management, or a related field. Formal project management training, or has equivalent demonstrated experience leading complex multi‑agency projects. Significant senior experience in programme, project, policy, or strategic planning, in the public sector or similar complex environments. Experience leading complex cross‑organisational initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and governance layers. Experience setting up or managing governance, controls, reporting, and delivery frameworks. Highly developed facilitation, communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills. Benefits Flexible work opportunities Life Insurance 5 weeks annual leave Superannuation All candidates require the right to work in New Zealand. Applications close: Friday 10 July 2026. For further information, please contact [email protected] Department: CE Compensation: Annual Package NZD 152,216.00 - 179,078.00 #J-18808-Ljbffr