Otago's a pretty special place. It covers a vast area - the third largest local government region in New Zealand. Those who call Otago home enjoy access to mountains, coastal lowlands, dramatic rivers, and wild beaches. Our environment here is part of who we are.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Regional Spatial Planning Project Lead on a fixedterm (12 months), full timebasis.The role will be based at one of the council offices in Otago,and will also involve regular travel across the Otago region.

The Regional Spatial Planning Project Lead role is to provide independent programme-level delivery leadership for the establishment and delivery of a Regional Spatial Plan for Otago. This work is a multi-organisation legislated initiative that requires coordinated governance, disciplined project/programme management and strong cross-council integration.It hasn’t been done in Otago before and will involve tight timeframes, so will be complex to deliver.

As a Regional Spatial Planning Project Lead,you willbe responsible for:

• Establishing the Regional Spatial Plan project and lead the end-to-end delivery of the plan on behalf of the region’s participating councils and associated governance bodies

• Coordinating and integrating the work of the workstream leads and subregional inputs

• Building and maintaining constructive working relationships across participatingcouncils, mana whenua partners, technical leaders,subject matter experts and external stakeholders

• Working with technical leads andworkstream leads to turn high-level tasks into aligned workstreams and deliverables within scope,time and budget

If you have strong project management skills and keen to have an impact, then this is the role for you!

About You

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Degree-level qualification in project management, planning, public policy, public administration, geography, environmental management, or a related field

• Formal project management training, or has equivalent demonstrated experience leading complex multi-agency projects

• Significant senior experience inprogramme, project, policy, or strategic planning, in the public sector or similar complex environments

• Experience leading complex cross-organisational initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and governance layers

• Experience setting up or managing governance, controls, reporting, and delivery frameworks

• Highly developed facilitation, communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills

A full job description can be found here –Position Description Regional Spatial Plan Project Lead.docx

What we offer

You will be employed by the Otago Regional Council andwill be working on behalf of all the councils in Otago.

To support our diverse and capable team,we're pleased to offer enhanced benefits such as:

• Flexible work opportunities

• Life Insurance

• 5 weeks annual leave

• Superannuation

• An annual wellbeing programme

• Competitiveremuneration packages

• Development opportunities

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria, we welcome your application, including your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the person for this role via the Apply button.

Please note: Wedon't always work to fixed closing dates and may start considering and interviewing candidates as their applications are received, so we encourage you to apply early.

We value diversity, and the different strengths people bring. We can provide flexible recruitment options such as virtual interviews, online kōrero, or whānau-inclusive interviews. If you would like to have whānau support with you during your interview, just let us know—we welcome it!

All candidates require the right to work in New Zealand.

Applications close:Friday 10 July 2026

For further information, please contact human.resources@orc.govt.nz