Principal Advisor Corporate Planning

Play a leading role in shaping Napier’s future by guiding the development and continuous improvement of our Long-Term Plan, Annual Plan, and performance frameworks. As Principal Advisor – Corporate Planning, you will oversee Council’s corporate planning processes, providing expert advice, setting priorities, and ensuring alignment with legislation, organisational strategy, and community outcomes. Leading a small team and working across a multidisciplinary environment, you’ll drive high-quality planning and reporting that delivers transparency, accountability, and results for our community.

Your day-to-day work will involve drafting and reviewing corporate planning documents, monitoring performance frameworks, implementing quality assurance processes, and improving planning tools and templates. You will engage with internal teams, senior leaders, and elected members to ensure documents are clear, accurate, and support informed decision-making. This is a senior leadership role with the opportunity to influence the effectiveness and transparency of Council planning and performance reporting while mentoring a small team and contributing to Napier’s strategic direction.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Lead the development and delivery of Council’s Long-Term Plan, Annual Plan, and performance reporting.
• Oversee and improve corporate planning frameworks, tools, and quality assurance processes.
• Provide expert advice and clear reporting to senior leaders, elected members, and stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide a small team, fostering capability and high performance.
• Ensure alignment between strategy, policy, financial planning, and service delivery.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• Tertiary qualification in strategic planning, public policy, public administration, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in corporate planning, performance measurement, and reporting, ideally in local government or the public sector.
• Strong leadership skills with proven ability to mentor and manage people.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Organised, proactive, and able to balance competing demands while improving planning processes.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years service
• Discounted Health Insurance Work Scheme + Eye Test Subsidy
• Retailer Discounts + Study assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club
• Free flu vaccinations (annual)
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent, full-time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You will be based in Napier.

The annual salary package for this role is between $120,700-$142,000 (including KiwiSaver) with the final offer depending on your experience and skills.

Applications for this role close on 24 October 2025, however due to the highly competitive employment market we will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person. Please do not delay in making your application.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including drug testing, with some roles requiring health screening). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Principal Advisor Corporate Planning