Team Leader, Parks Planning

About the Role

Hamilton City Council is dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of its residents by becoming a leading community-centered council, unlocking Hamilton’s full potential as a preferred place to live. This role is situated within the Customer and Community Group, which delivers facilities and services that contribute to a safe, lively, and inclusive city environment.

As the Team Leader of Parks Planning, you will oversee a skilled team that provides expert planning guidance to protect, improve, and facilitate the growth of Hamilton's parks, reserves, and open spaces. This role offers a chance to influence Hamilton’s future by collaborating across various council departments and with key stakeholders, ensuring lasting benefits for today’s community and future generations. Your leadership will shape innovative park planning outcomes supporting a growing city while preserving the natural spaces that enhance citizens’ quality of life.

Your responsibilities include setting the strategic direction of parks planning, encouraging innovative approaches, and preparing the team to adapt to legislative changes and emerging planning frameworks. You will foster collaboration, develop strong partnerships, and confidently lead your team towards delivering impactful community outcomes. Guiding your team through change, building clarity and confidence, and helping them flourish will be important tasks in this role.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Extensive leadership experience with at least 10 years in senior roles focusing on parks and recreation planning, urban planning, policy development, or related areas.
• A comprehensive strategic perspective with awareness of long-term and broader implications of issues.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build and maintain productive relationships with a diverse array of internal and external stakeholders.
• Political insight to assess risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Strong oral and written communication abilities to clearly present complex information persuasively.
• A dedication to community engagement and public service principles.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in resource management, planning, parks, sport and recreation, or related fields.
• In-depth experience with Resource Management Act, Reserves Act, Local Government Act, and demonstrated capacities in interpreting and applying legislative and policy changes.
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and knowledge of tangata whenua values and protocols.
• Proven ability to manage teams within local government environments, including financial controls, timesheet administration, and invoicing.
• A valid full driver’s license.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this role ranges from NZ$125,000 to NZ$135,000 annually, depending on skills and experience.

Additional benefits include:

• A recognized flexible working policy supporting work-life balance.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development.
• Two wellbeing days annually.
• Complimentary health insurance covering hospital and surgical care, with discounted rates for family members.
• Annual free health checks and flu vaccinations.
• Options to purchase extra annual leave.
• Reimbursement for eye tests and glasses.
• Discounts at local businesses such as gyms, cafes, dental clinics, and hair salons.

Additional Information

Applications close on August 26, 2026. Candidates will be notified by email about application outcomes. Shortlisted candidates will face interview processes, reference checks, criminal background screening, and potentially other background verifications relevant to the role.

The council is committed to honoring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi through partnerships with regional iwi and mana whenua groups. It values inclusivity and strives to create a welcoming environment where all individuals are respected and valued.

Applicants requiring accommodations during the selection process can request support in advance to ensure needs are met.

Note: This role is being sourced directly by the council. The Council does not pay commissions or fees to recruitment agencies for unsolicited applications.