General Manager Commercial and Property

Role Overview

Auckland Council manages a substantial property and commercial portfolio valued at $70 billion, representing one of New Zealand's most significant public asset bases. The stewardship of these assets is critical to the council’s financial sustainability and the benefits delivered to Auckland residents. We seek an accomplished General Manager Commercial and Property to provide strategic leadership at the enterprise level across this portfolio.

This leadership role requires a commercially focused professional with a proven ability to enhance non-rates revenue, improve portfolio performance, and enforce rigorous investment and asset management disciplines, all while upholding the social, cultural, and intergenerational responsibilities associated with public assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategy setting and operational excellence across the $70 billion property portfolio within the council group, establishing best practice management standards.
• Oversee the commercial property portfolio as a strategic enabler by leveraging data, analytical insights, and effective advice throughout the group.
• Drive increased portfolio value by managing supplier relationships, meeting lease revenue objectives, and optimizing returns from surplus property disposals.
• Advocate for enhanced commercial outcomes by increasing yield and strengthening the council's reputation as a credible commercial entity.
• Provide well-researched, timely, and multi-stakeholder informed advice to enable informed decision-making by elected members.

Qualifications and Experience

• A tertiary qualification in Business Administration, Property, Finance, or Commercial Law is essential.
• Extensive executive leadership experience managing large, diverse teams and developing and implementing commercial strategies within complex organizations.
• In-depth knowledge of property acquisition, leasing, disposal, and asset lifecycle management, utilizing best practices for plan development and execution.
• Demonstrated success in revenue growth and yield enhancement within large commercial operations, including proficient negotiation and management of high-value property transactions.
• Proven capability to lead organizational change, develop talent, increase commercial acumen, and foster high-performing teams.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, including experience advising elected officials, collaborating with iwi partners, and participating in media and community engagements.
• Sound judgement in leveraging data, internal expertise, and external consultant advice to optimize complex property portfolios aligning with Auckland Council’s strategic goals.

About Auckland Council and Our Values

This position is part of Kāhui Rangatira, the enterprise leadership group responsible for setting department direction, resource prioritization, and contributing to the overarching Group Plan. We emphasize collective high performance characterized by clear strategic direction, joint accountability, and embodiment of Our Behaviours within the framework of Our Charter to create meaningful impacts for Tāmaki Makaurau.

Additional Information

Note this recruitment precedes the finalization of the organizational structure. Early appointment aims to maintain leadership stability within the commercial and property function during transition and enable the successful candidate to influence the ultimate structural design.

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Auckland Council is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace reflective of the communities it serves. Applications from candidates of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities are encouraged, with accommodations available throughout the recruitment process.

Benefits

Working at Auckland Council offers a dynamic and supportive environment alongside flexible working arrangements, a focus on wellbeing, continuous improvement culture, and recognized commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including GenderTick accreditation and Pride Pledge endorsement.