Director - Resource Management

Trc Elmo • Stratford, CT

18h

About The Position

The Director Resource Management provides strategic and professional leadership across Taranaki Regional Council’s Resource Management functions. Reporting to the Chief Executive and serving on the Executive Leadership Team, the Director leads a directorate of approximately 45 staff, including six direct reports, and is accountable for high-quality advice, effective service delivery, sound financial management, and a positive, high-performing culture.

The role leads development and delivery of the Resource Management Strategy and Roadmap, aligned with the Council’s Long Term Plan and strategic direction. It provides strategic advice to the Chief Executive, Council, and committees, and leads resource management policy and planning, resource consents, compliance monitoring and enforcement, and relevant general policy functions. The portfolio also includes harbour safety, navigation, and marine pollution planning and response.

The Director builds partnerships with tangata whenua, iwi, and hapū, and provides leadership on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao Māori, and mātauranga Māori. The role develops trusted relationships with communities, government agencies, local authorities, industry, science specialists, and other stakeholders, while leading through regulatory reform, organisational change, and evolving community expectations. It also builds leadership capability, supports staff development, and fosters an empowered, high-performing culture.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in resource management or another relevant field.
• At least 15 years of relevant resource management experience in a public sector environment.
• Extensive senior or executive leadership experience.
• Professional, technical, and practical credibility across multiple resource management disciplines.
• A strong record of leading multidisciplinary teams, developing people, and creating an inclusive, accountable, and enabling culture.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic frameworks, major work programmes, and service improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated success building strategic partnerships and influencing stakeholders at executive and governance level.
• Working knowledge of legislation relevant to regional councils.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities, tikanga Māori, Te Ao Māori, and mātauranga Māori.
• Highly developed written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with confidence presenting in public and through the media.
• Legal right to work in New Zealand.

Nice To Haves

• A management qualification.
• Leadership experience in local government, central government, regulation, infrastructure, environmental management, or a similarly complex setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of the Resource Management Strategy and Roadmap, aligned with the Council’s Long Term Plan and strategic direction.
• Provide strategic advice to the Chief Executive, Council, and its committees.
• Lead resource management policy and planning, resource consents, compliance monitoring and enforcement, and relevant general policy functions.
• Oversee harbour safety, navigation, and marine pollution planning and response responsibilities.
• Build effective partnerships with tangata whenua, iwi, and hapū, and provide leadership on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao Māori, and mātauranga Māori.
• Develop trusted relationships with communities, government agencies, local authorities, industry, science specialists, and other stakeholders.
• Lead through regulatory reform, organisational change, and evolving community expectations.
• Build leadership capability, support staff development, and create an inclusive, accountable, enabling culture where people can perform at their best.
• Lead a directorate of approximately 45 staff, including six direct reports, and ensure high-quality advice, effective service delivery, and sound financial management.

Benefits

• Five weeks plus one day of annual leave entitlement.
• Active social club.
• Onsite gym.
• Flexible working options.
• Free car parking.
• Training opportunities within each role.
• Potential support for eligible applicants through the Accredited Employer Work Visa, where applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive