Senior Compliance Officer

Role overview

Napier City Council’s Regulatory Delivery branch is seeking a seasoned compliance professional to help protect the city’s communities and environment. In this senior position, you will oversee compliance, monitoring, and enforcement activities that support safe, sustainable outcomes for Napier.

The role involves ensuring legislation, bylaws, and Council policies are followed, while also driving education, inspection, investigation, and enforcement work that encourages responsible behaviour across the community. Your work will help deliver practical, lasting improvements through both proactive and reactive compliance responses.

You will work with internal teams and outside agencies to achieve consistent, high-quality outcomes. The position suits someone who is confident in a dynamic setting, able to combine strategic thinking with hands-on leadership, and comfortable building strong relationships to resolve issues constructively.

Key duties

• Handle complaints, collect and assess evidence, support compliance resolutions, and take enforcement steps where breaches are identified across a range of regulatory areas.
• Carry out inspections, investigations, and monitoring to confirm compliance with relevant laws, resource consent conditions, and plan provisions.
• Work alongside internal and external stakeholders to develop practical solutions to compliance matters.
• Coach and support team members by sharing expertise and sound compliance practice.

What we are looking for

• A tertiary qualification in Environmental Science, Resource Management, Law, Health Science, or equivalent practical experience.
• At least 7 years of experience in compliance, monitoring, enforcement, or related regulatory work.
• Strong working knowledge of legislation such as the Resource Management Act, Local Government Act, Sale & Supply of Alcohol Act, and Council bylaws.
• Capability in investigations, inspections, monitoring, and enforcement processes.
• Well-developed communication, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution abilities.
• A customer-oriented, collaborative approach, with proven leadership and mentoring capability.
• Strong organisation and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and maintain a professional manner.
• NZ Certificate/Diploma in Regulatory Compliance (Levels 4–6) is preferred but not mandatory.

Working arrangement

This is a permanent full-time position of 40 hours per week. The usual schedule is Monday to Friday, although some flexibility for after-hours work is needed because of the nature of the job. The role is based in Napier, with travel around the city for inspections and community engagement.

Salary

The total annual salary package is between $91,400 and $107,500, inclusive of KiwiSaver. The final offer will reflect your experience and skills.

Benefits

• 5 weeks of annual leave after 2 years of service
• Discounted health insurance through a work scheme, plus an eye test subsidy
• Retail discounts and study support
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
• Quarterly values awards, birthday vouchers, and a social club
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Ka Awatea cultural wānanga and NCC Kapa Haka
• Te Reo Māori language classes

Additional information

Napier City Council is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and aims to keep its recruitment process fair and accessible. Support or adjustments can be provided during the application or interview process if needed.

The organisation’s success is built on strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by its Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which helps develop cultural capability through education and training.

Before starting, successful candidates must complete pre-employment checks, which include criminal background checks. Some roles may also require drug testing and health screening. Employees may also be called upon to support Civil Defence emergencies when the community needs assistance.

The employer may review applications as they come in and close the vacancy once the right person is found.