Group Manager Horizons Regional Council
The role
We are currently seeking a talented senior leader with a strong understanding and experience in the local and regional government sectors to lead the newly created Governance, Engagement and Transformation Group. This is a permanent full-time position located in Palmerston North.
In this pivotal leadership role, you will work closely with the Chief Executive and senior colleagues to provide strategic advice, direction, and leadership across key organisational functions. You will play a central role in shaping a forward-thinking regional council and supporting effective decision-making at a governance level.
As Governance, Engagement and Transformation Group Manager you will provide leadership and strategic direction for the Group, responsible for supporting our Governance, Communications and Engagement functions, as well as oversight of Horizons Long Term Planning process and ‘Future Fit’ initiatives. The scope of this role means that you’ll need to have a strategic understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing local government and the regional sector, the innovation to deal with these and the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively in a political environment.
About you
You will be a credible and trusted senior leader with a proven ability to operate with integrity and professionalism in a politically complex environment.
You will also bring:
- A relevant tertiary qualification
- Significant experience in a strategic leadership role
- Demonstrated ability to provide high-quality advice at a governance level
- Strong resource management capability, enabling the organisation to achieve its strategic goals
- Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across a wide range of stakeholders
Why join us?
When you join us, you can look forward to a rewarding career full of opportunities to develop a positive and supportive work environment. We do this through:
- Positive focus on employee health, wellness and wellbeing initiatives across the organisation including your birthday off, wellness day, life insurance for all permanent staff and 5 weeks leave after 2 years of service.
- Flexible family friendly work environment.
- Ongoing development and opportunities across the organisation to grow, specialise or diversify your skills.
- Working together for a better environment across our region.
- A supportive and social work environment across the organisation.
About us
The Horizons region extends over 22,200km2 – from Ruapehu in the north and Horowhenua in the south, to Whanganui in the west and Tararua in the east. We work with and for our community in the use and protection of our environment, managing our precious resources of land, air and water; as well as public transport and a key role in emergency management. At Horizons Regional Council we work to make our region a healthy environment where people are thriving, including our staff.
Horizons are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to ensuring we have a diverse and inclusive workplace, so our people reflect the diversity of our region.
Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 22 April 2026.
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.