As the corporate and strategic planner, you will lead the projects that deliver key plans for the organisation.

These plans ensure we align with legislation, provide the budget framework for delivery of objectives, support our communities, and enable the achievement of our district vision. Key plans include the Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan.

In addition to this, other organisational initiatives such as business reporting, strategic project support, and external audit management will form part of this role.

We are looking for a driven, enthusiastic team player who is passionate about working collaboratively to deliver results.

The corporate and strategic planner will play an integral role in the planning required for the future of Central Otago District Council. We want someone who is a bit of a go-getter, a puzzle solver and someone who isn’t shy of voicing their view and helping hold people to account.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and manage corporate planning processes for the Long-Term Plan, Annual Plan and the non-financial components of the Annual Report ensuring that Council complies with statutory planning requirements and timeframes.
• Responsible for overseeing, delivering and continually improving the business reporting framework.
• Responsible for developing the annual organisation business plan and quarterly reporting on progress to the elected members.
• Support strategic programmes and associated consultation across the wider organisation as required.
• Lead facilitation of organisational performance reviews (such as LGNZ’s Te Korowai).
• Lead the facilitation of the organisation’s business continuity framework.
• Support the planning and facilitation of strategic projects as required.
• Assisting in the preparation of requests for information and procurement documents as required.
• Assisting in the portfolio of the risk and procurement manager as required.
• Preparation of required reports to community boards, the Audit and Risk Committee and Council.
• Presentation of project updates to the executive leadership team, elected members and external stakeholders.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Tertiary qualification or equivalent work experience

• 3+ years of planning or project management experience
• An excellent understanding of corporate planning principles and processes
• Financial acumen
• Effective communication and negotiation skills with the ability to engage and influence at all levels within Council and the wider community
• The ability to direct and influence a multi-disciplined team of professionals
• Build and maintain effective and productive working relationships
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated individual with demonstrated ability to innovate and inspire others
• Effective self-management skills, including responsiveness to instructions and management of workload demands
• Effective interpersonal skills
• The ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines
• The ability to work collectively as a member of a high performing and successful team
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently using sound judgement and initiative
• Must be adaptable and able to cope with a variety of situations

About the Organisation:

At Central Otago District Council, we live by our whakatauki: ‘Me manaaki tētahi ki tētahi, me pakihiwitahi te tū – kia haere tahi ai tātou.

Respect each other, stand shoulder to shoulder – So that we may travel on this journey together.’ This embodies our commitment to respect, collaboration, and community well-being.

Benefits:

• Competitive market remuneration
• Modern and tech-savvy working environment.
• Flexible work practices.
• Opportunities for training and career development.
• Te ao Māori and tikanga competency courses available to all staff.
• Option to join an active social club.

If you're up for a challenge and eager to live and work in a unique area of New Zealand, this is the job for you. Join our forward-thinking organisation and advance your career while contributing to the wellbeing of Central Otago.

Please apply online

Applications close 16 January 2026