Electorate Manager - Palmerston North

The Electoral Commission is preparing for the 2026 General Election; we are looking for highly capable leaders to take on the pivotal role of Electorate Manager.

You will lead the planning, establishment, and delivery of voting services within your community (electorate) to ensure participation, uphold the integrity of the electoral process, and deliver accurate results.This is a 10-month fixed term role from February 26 - November 26.

The salary is $127-$134k.

This role will be based in Palmerston North

He aha tau e mahi ana | What you will be doing

You will shape how voting services are delivered in your electorate — from planning and preparation to successful delivery.

You will work alongside engagement and enrolment teams to understand local needs, particularly for communities with low participation and for Maori voters, ensuring services are accessible and inclusive.

You will build and lead a capable, community-reflective team, select and prepare secure and accessible voting locations, and oversee the smooth, neutral, and compliant delivery of all voting activities.

With responsibility for managing the electorate budget, you will balance quality service delivery with careful stewardship of resources.

In this role you will :

Develop and implement an electorate plan to deliver voting services, including identifying opportunities to enhance participation.

Recruit, train, and manage employees for both headquarters and voting places, ensuring they reflect the communities they serve.

Identify secure, accessible, and politically neutral voting places that meet community needs.

Manage operations to deliver voting services on time, securely, and to the highest standards of integrity.

Ensure all procedures for the security of people, premises, materials, and data are strictly followed.

Monitor, manage, and mitigate risks to the delivery of voting services, ensuring compliance with Commission policies.

Maintain fiscal responsibility, manage the electorate budget, and adhere to financial best practices.

Mohou ake | About you

You are a capable and experienced leader with excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.

You can quickly build strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and are comfortable operating in high-pressure environments where accuracy and integrity are paramount.

Ko nga mea ka hiahiatia e koe kia angitu | What you will need to succeed :

Proven experience in leading large teams and complex operational delivery is important.

Strong planning, budgeting, and project management skills are important.

The ability to engage effectively with communities, including Maori communities, to encourage participation.

A commitment to impartiality, integrity, and the principles of the democratic process.

Te Kaitiaki Take Kowhiri | About the Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission wants every New Zealander to trust, value and take part in parliamentary elections.

Contribute to New Zealand's democracy as part of a small team of electoral experts who design, build, and implement processes and systems for Parliamentary elections and referenda.

It is an exciting and varied role within a team which is committed, supportive, and hands-on.

The Commission is building an inclusive strength focused culture where diversity is encouraged and valued, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities.

You will join a team who are here for the right reasons, and we are enthusiastic about what we do.

To apply, please submit a tailored CV and cover letter outlining your reasons for joining the Commission, highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

Applications close at 5pm, Sunday 5 October

For more information regarding this role, please email

You must be legally allowed to work in New Zealand.

Reference # 9623

Location(s) Rangitikei, Palmerston North

Job opportunities General Election , I want to work in a Voting Place , I want to work in an Electorate Headquarters

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