Portfolio Lead Open Spaces

Napier City Council is at an exciting turning point, with an organisational redesign driving smarter, more connected services for our community.As part of this transformation, we're seeking a visionary Portfolio Lead – Open Spaces to guide the strategic delivery of our parks, reserves, and public realm developments.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Napier's open spaces—ensuring they reflect our values of sustainability, climate resilience, and community wellbeing.You'll lead a diverse portfolio of initiatives that enhance the city's liveability and create places where people thrive.

This position will be part of the Strategy & Urban Development Directorate (Urban), which leads future planning, policy development, and compliance to promote sustainable growth and enhance community well-being.The OpportunityStrategic coordination of open space projects across parks, reserves, and civic spacesEnsuring alignment with Council's sustainability, financial, and service delivery goals for our community and ratepayersPortfolio-level risk, budget, and milestone management - oversight that enables smarter decision-making, better resource allocation, and stronger alignment with strategic priorities.Collaboration with internal teams, mana whenua, Waka Kotahi, Maritime NZ, and other key partnersAbout YouExperienced in strategic leadership with 7–10 years in project and portfolio management, including delivering complex public realm or community infrastructure programmes.Holds relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in open spaces, infrastructure, or planning.Self-motivated, solutions-focused professional who thrives in complex environments, takes ownership, and builds strong relationships across diverse teams and communities.Strong understanding of asset management, procurement, and contract delivery in a public sector setting.Clear and engaging communicator, able to tailor messaging to different audiences, resilient under pressure, and passionate about delivering meaningful outcomes for Napier's people and places.What we Offer5 weeks annual leave after 2 years serviceDiscounted Health Insurance Work Scheme + Eye Test SubsidyRetailer Discounts + Study assistanceEmployee Assistance Program (OCP)Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social clubFree flu vaccinations (annual)Ka Awatea Cultural Wananga + NCC Kapa HakaTe Reo Maori language classesThis is a permanent, full time opportunity working 40 hours per week Monday-Friday.

You'll be based in Napier's CBD.

The annual salary package for this role is between $112,900-$132,800 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.We're reviewing applications as they come in and may close the role early once, we've found the right fit.About NCCAt 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 Maori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapu, which builds cultural capability through education and training.We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

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