Manager Planning Services

Inspire excellence and shape planning outcomes for a growing city

• Provide strategic leadership across a highimpact planning division
• Champion collaboration innovation quality and continuous improvement
• Play a central role influencing the future of progressive city

The Opportunity

Palmerston North City Council is seeking an engaging and strategic leader to step into the Manager Planning Services role. Leading a team of 16 planning professionals including multiple Team Leaders you will guide the Planning Services Division as it continues to evolve modernise and deliver high-quality outcomes for the community.

Reporting to the General Manager Development and Regulatory you will provide clear direction build leadership capability and ensure consistent delivery of planning services. This role suits a confident people leader who brings structure supports teams through complexity and change and fosters an environment where people feel supported and empowered.

You will partner closely with iwi developers consultants elected members and internal stakeholders to ensure planning outcomes are robust timely and aligned with Council strategy and statutory obligations. The role also contributes to digital enablement service improvement and strengthening a collaborative team culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead mentor and support Team Leaders and the wider Planning Services Division
• Embed structured processes digital tools and efficient workflows
• Champion performance capability uplift and service consistency
• Provide politically aware advice to senior leaders and elected members
• Strengthen relationships across Council iwi partners developers and regional agencies
• Oversee reporting budgeting resource allocation and continuous improvement
• Navigate legislative change organisational reform and evolving community expectations

About You

You bring proven people leadership experience (5 years) and thrive in environments that require clarity calm and structured direction. You may come from planning resource management or a related regulatory sector what matters most is your ability to lead people build capability drive process improvement and operate confidently in a political and community-facing environment.

You are organised thoughtful and a strong communicator able to balance statutory requirements with practical solutions. You value partnership collaboration and cultural competence particularly in iwi engagement and multi-stakeholder settings.

Why PNCC

• Influence the future of one of New Zealands most progressive regional cities
• Lead a motivated team within a supportive valuesdriven council
• Enjoy a role that blends strategic leadership people development and community impact
• Access excellent benefits including flexible working professional development and generous leave provisions

How to Apply:

To express your interest please submit your CV and a cover letter to quoting vacancy reference #140.

For further enquiries contact Naomi Widener on or email via

Applications close: 5pm Friday 6 March 2026.