Lead the business partnering function, building trusted relationships across Council. Coach and develop a high-performing team of Communications and Engagement Advisors. Competitive salary + life insurance + Flexible working Join us at a pivotal moment for local government Current Zealand's local government sector is experiencing significant change, creating exciting opportunities to be part of something bigger than business as usual. At Selwyn District Council, you'll help shape how we communicate and engage with our communities, support leaders through change and build trust around the decisions that matter to our district. As one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts, you'll work across complex issues and diverse stakeholders, with the opportunity to make a genuine difference to how Council connects with its communities. About the role: We're looking for an experienced communications and engagement leader to help embed a new business partnering model across Council and lead a team of Advisors to deliver proactive, strategic and audience-focused support. You'll build trusted relationships across the organisation, lead forward planning and prioritisation, provide strategic advice on complex issues, and coach your team to succeed. You'll play a key role in creating a more proactive, consistent and sustainable way of working across Communications & Engagement. Key areas of focus include: Leading and embedding the Communications & Engagement business partnering model across Council. Building trusted relationships with leaders and helping business units plan early for communications and engagement.



Leading forward planning, prioritisation and workload management across the business partner stream. Contributing to strategic advice on complex, sensitive and high-profile communications and engagement matters. Overseeing engagement and consultation planning to ensure approaches are appropriate, inclusive and audience-focused. Developing consistent processes, tools and ways of working that improve quality and reduce rework. Coaching and developing Advisors, building their confidence and capability as strategic partners. Creating a collaborative, supportive and high-performing team culture. Working across the wider Communications & Engagement team to continuously improve how we deliver value to Council. About You: You'll be an experienced communications and engagement professional ready to lead through others and make a broader organisational impact. You'll bring: Solid experience in communications, engagement, marketing or a related strategic advisory environment. Proven experience leading people or functions in a complex, public-facing organisation. Strong planning, prioritisation and relationship management skills. The ability to provide strategic advice and exercise sound judgement. Experience leading teams through change and embedding new ways of working. A coaching mindset and commitment to building capability in others. Excellent communication skills and a strong focus on customers and communities. Experience in local government or the public sector would be advantageous, as would experience in business partnering,

📌 Communications & Engagement Manager (Lakefield)
🏢 Taituarā
📍 Lakefield