• The opportunity to lead people change in a major transformation programme
• Join a workplace that lives its values and puts people at the heart of everything we do
• Full Time, fixed term until 30 June 2028

Lead the people side of one of the biggest transformations in local government.

Ko wai mātau | About us

The people at Whakatāne District Council love what we do because we do it for others, and that feels good. We work hard and we know it's important to stop and play too. We're on a learning journey because we know we can always do better, and we know we're better together. Will you come on that journey with us? In return, you'll enjoy a range of staff benefits including flexible working, an extra week's annual leave and free or discounted access to our community facilities. You'll never be more than half an hour away from rivers, lakes, forests, beaches and great walks - most are just on your doorstep. We love this place, and you will too.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

This is not your typical HR Business Partner role. This is an opportunity to sit at the heart of a major organisational transition and help shape how our Three Waters services evolve for the future.

As one of our Senior People & Capability Business Partners - Waters Transition, you'll partner closely with the Waters leadership team while also leading the people and change workstream of our Waters Transition Programme. From workforce planning and organisational design to supporting leaders through change and ensuring we bring our people with us on the journey, you'll play a critical role in making this transformation successful.

This is a role where you can truly add value, combining strategic thinking with practical delivery, coaching leaders, navigating employment relations matters, and helping build a strong, capable and future-ready workforce.

If you enjoy working in complexity, influencing outcomes, and being part of something that really matters to your community, this is a fantastic opportunity to step into a visible and impactful role.

Ka aha koe | What you'll do

• Partnering with our Waters leaders to provide strategic and operational HR advice
• Leading workforce planning and organisational design to support all work in the Local Waters Done Well transition space.
• Supporting leaders and teams through organisational change and transition
• Identifying workforce risks and capability gaps and developing practical solutions
• Providing employment relations expertise and coaching leaders through people matters
• Supporting programme governance with people insights and transition readiness solutions
• Working closely with communications and programme leads to support successful change adoption
• Supporting culture, wellbeing and engagement through a period of significant change

Ko wai koe | About you

You're a confident and credible senior HR practitioner who thrives on building strong relationships and helping leaders navigate change successfully. You bring sound judgement, a pragmatic approach, and the ability to balance people outcomes with organisational needs.

You're comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels and enjoy being part of a collaborative programme environment where you can influence, guide and deliver.

Ō pūkenga | What You'll Bring to the Role

• Proven experience leading people and change initiatives in complex environments
• Strong employment relations knowledge and understanding of NZ employment legislation
• Demonstrated experience supporting organisational change or transition
• Ability to influence and build trust across multiple stakeholders
• Strong communication skills including governance reporting
• Experience with workforce planning, organisational design or capability development
• A calm, resilient and solutions-focused approach
• Relevant tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience)
• Change management certification (desirable)

This is a chance to help shape the future of water services delivery while doing meaningful, career-defining work.

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and help lead the people side of a once-in-a-generation transition, we'd love to hear from you.

Send us your CV and a cover letter telling us about your experience leading change and how you help leaders and teams succeed through transformation.

We are keen to hire the right person ASAP and will be reviewing applications as they come in, so don't delay in submitting yours!

For any further information, please phone 07 306 0500 to speak with Kirsten Love, People & Capability Business Partner.