Executive Director - Commercial and Advisory

Role overview

Hamilton City Council is hiring a senior leader to help guide major infrastructure and commercial decisions that support the city’s long-term wellbeing. The position sits within the Infrastructure and Assets Group and is focused on delivering thoughtful, practical advice that helps shape projects, investment choices, and strategic direction.

In this role, you will partner with the General Manager and senior leaders to influence key outcomes across multiple teams. Rather than directly supervising staff, you will provide high-level insight, technical judgement, and commercial direction to support consistent decision-making across the Group.

What you will do

• Provide commercial, strategic, and engineering advice of a high standard.
• Help develop business cases, investment proposals, and delivery models.
• Make sure advice is realistic, well supported, and aligned with Council priorities.
• Work alongside the General Manager and senior leaders on important issues, risks, and opportunities.
• Prepare clear analysis, options, and recommendations for executive decision-making.
• Act as a senior technical advisor in the spirit of a Chief Engineer role.
• Contribute to oversight of significant infrastructure programmes and projects.
• Support risk identification, mitigation, governance, and reporting.
• Advise on procurement strategy, commercial approaches, and contract negotiations.
• Monitor contract performance and encourage consistent commercial discipline across the Group.
• Develop strong working relationships with internal teams, contractors, and external partners.
• Influence outcomes through collaboration, trusted advice, coaching, and mentoring.
• Help identify and manage risks within Council frameworks, considering financial, legal, and reputational impacts.
• Support decision-making that is robust, defensible, and integrated across teams.

What we are looking for

The Council wants someone with strong senior leadership experience who can combine technical knowledge, commercial judgement, and strategic influence. You should be comfortable operating at executive level and able to lead through credibility and influence rather than direct authority.

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering, Business, or a similar field; an MBA is preferred, or you may bring equivalent experience.
• At least 15 years of senior leadership experience, ideally gained in local government.
• Strong knowledge of the Local Government Act, Long-Term Plan processes, and related legislative requirements.
• Deep experience in commercial management, procurement, and contract negotiation.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to influence senior decision-makers.
• Strong analytical ability and sound business understanding.
• Proven capability to lead through influence instead of formal reporting lines.

Compensation

The salary is approximately $199,154, depending on skills and experience.

Benefits

• Flexible working supported by an award-winning flexibility policy.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Two wellbeing days each year.
• Free Unimed health insurance, including hospital and surgery cover, plus discounted family membership rates.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccinations.
• Option to buy extra annual leave.
• Reimbursement for eye tests and glasses.
• Discounted offers from local businesses, including gyms, cafes, dentists, hairdressers, and more.

Application process

Applicants are asked to review the position information, submit an application, and include a cover letter with the resume if they wish. The cover letter can be uploaded as part of the same PDF as the resume or added through the message box to the hiring team.

Applications close on 13 July 2026. Shortlisting will begin while applications are still being received.

Candidates will be informed of the outcome by email. Those shortlisted should expect interviews, reference checks, and a criminal check. Additional background checks may apply depending on the role. The organisation also has privacy information and specific details for international applicants available through its recruitment materials.

Accessibility support is available during interviews and assessments. Applicants with access needs are encouraged to let the Council know in advance so arrangements can be made.

Values and organisational context

Hamilton City Council is committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and works in relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua, and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

The Council also promotes Kotahitanga, creating a welcoming environment where people feel respected, valued, and included.

Recruitment note

This vacancy is being filled directly by Hamilton City Council. If recruitment agency support is needed, it will only be sought through the Council’s selected agency panel. Unsolicited agency contact will not be eligible for commission, fees, or other payments.