Chief Operating and Finance Officer
Tauranga
- Shape strategy and delivery across core corporate functions
- Champion enterprise-wide change aimed at a high-performance culture
- Drive commercial value and operational efficiency in a large, complex, environment
- Create lasting impact for the Tauranga community
Following a recent organisational transformation, Tauranga City Council has realigned its structure to future-proof the strategic and operational delivery. As part of this change, it has established a new senior executive role – Chief Operating and Finance Officer – a key strategic leadership position that reports directly to the Chief Executive.
Te Tūranga | About the role
As a Chief Operating and Finance Officer you will be responsible for optimising the Council’s operational and financial performance through a relentless focus on efficiency, cost-effectiveness and value creation. This role integrates leadership across finance, commercial strategy and property, procurement, legal, risk, digital services, people and culture and governance support.
You will be responsible for:
- Driving enterprise-wide financial discipline, ensuring high-impact investment decisions and championing streamlined processes that reduce costs and maximise return on investment.
- Ensuring legal and legislative compliance, promoting strong risk management and embedding a performance driven culture.
- Innovative digital solutions and strategic oversight enabling sustainable operations and ensuring Tauranga City Council delivers maximum value to its community.
- Strategic oversight of commercial operations and asset portfolios which deliver long-term value, operational efficiency and community benefit.
- Actively and consistently upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, whilst maintaining meaningful partnerships with tangata whenua and embedding cultural confidence and responsiveness across all areas.
Ngā Pukenga | What you’ll need to succeed
To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:
- A tertiary qualification in finance, commerce, law, public policy or business administration (postgraduate or master’s level preferred).
- A recognised professional accounting qualification (CA, CPA) is essential.
- Additional governance or executive leadership certification (Institute of Directors or similar) is desirable.
- Significant executive leadership experience (10+ years) across multiple domains such as finance, commercial operations, legal, digital transformation, HR, procurement or risk.
- Demonstrated experience in leading enterprise-level financial strategy, including long-term planning, asset management and treasury oversight.
- Experience working with or reporting to elected officials, boards or governance bodies, audit agencies and iwi partners in either Local Government or large commercial environments.
- Demonstrated understanding of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and experience partnering with tangata whenua in strategy, delivery or decision-making.
- Proven track record of driving commercial value, operational efficiency and return on investment in a complex, publicly accountable environment.
- Strong experience in governance, risk management and compliance, including navigating legal and reputational risk at senior levels.
- Demonstrated capability in leading multifunctional teams and fostering a culture of performance, collaboration, and innovation.
- Proven experience in digital transformation, business intelligence and using data insights to drive organisational performance is highly desirable.
Tō Tātou Kaunihera | About Tauranga City Council
As one of Tauranga’s largest employers, Tauranga City Council is looking to attract great talent to join its driven, passionate and community-focused team.
To find out more about working at Tauranga City Council click here.