• Deliver work programmes that influence strategic transport outcomes
• Be part of a values‑driven organisation
• Newly Created Role in a collaborative culture

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

The region’s evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.

Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

Council plays an important role in responding to national legislation and policy changes – this mahi is part of our operating environment and is embedded in our everyday mahi. The current proposals from central government are significant, and Council is working through the opportunities and implications. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment).

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

This is a great leadership opportunity to guide and support the Public Transport Strategy and Planning team, ensuring strategic direction is translated into practical, high‑quality work programmes. You’ll oversee the delivery of planning documents such as the Regional Public Transport Plan, funding applications, and key strategic advice for partners and stakeholders.

You’ll lead a high performing team of subject matter experts, providing coaching, mentoring, and thought leadership while fostering a positive team culture to ensure we successfully delivery on our committed work programme. Collaboration is central to this role, working closely with Waka Kotahi, territorial authorities, iwi partners, operators, and governance groups to deliver great outcomes for Canterbury.

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead the delivery of strategic work programmes aligned with Council priorities
• Provide oversight, quality assurance, and consistency across public transport planning outputs and advice
• Build and maintain strong partnerships across the sector, including mana whenua
• Support the development of public transport improvement programmes and funding applications
• Champion organisational values and support cultural capability across the team

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Mōu │ About You

You’re an experienced people leader who thrives in an ever-changing strategic environment and enjoys developing others. You bring strong judgement, the ability to think at both a big‑picture and practical level, and confidence navigating complex public‑sector contexts.

You’ll be comfortable building relationships across organisations, facilitating collaboration, and representing Environment Canterbury in public transport planning discussions and community forums. Your leadership style is inclusive, engaging, and grounded in our values.

To enjoy this role, you’ll have:

• Proven experience leading and developing highly effective teams
• Strong strategic planning, policy, or transport planning experience
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• An understanding of public‑sector accountability, transparency, and good practice
• A commitment to supporting Te Tiriti partnerships and engagement with mana whenua

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience  

Ideally, you’ll have a relevant tertiary qualification in business, commerce, or transport planning, or related work experience along with:

• A minimum of 5 years experience in leading, building, & developing highly performing effective teams
• Demonstrated skills in people leadership & collaboration across functions
• Experience in or understanding of the requirements of the public sector
• Significant experience in the development and delivery of strategy, policy & planning within the public sector, ideally with experience from the transport sector

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | Working at Environment Canterbury  

Our mahi is underpinned by our values:

• Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)
• Pononga (integrity)
• Manaakitanga (people first)
• Whanaungatanga (collaboration)
• Māiatanga (can do)

We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment. We value everyone’s contribution, diverse thinking, and skills. 

We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work. We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey.

Ko ētahi atu kōrero | Additional Information

For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Sonia Pollard on +64 27 212 2091.

Applications close on Sunday, 8 March.  Applications will be reviewed as we receive them, and interviews may take place before the close date. We reserve the right to close advertising early.  

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an interview process, along with reference checks, criminal record screening, and, if applicable, psychometric testing. Further background checks may be undertaken where they are relevant to the position.

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can

Hours of work – Permanent full-time position - From time to time, as required, the role may require work outside of normal work hours for emergency and flood response and to represent Environment Canterbury at meetings and events with partners, other agencies, and the community. Location - This position is predominantly based at 200 Tuam Street, Christchurch   

Salary - The indictive salary range for role is $102,466 to $126,575 per annum depending on skills and experience. The specific salary will be discussed at interview stage.