Chief Executive
Upper Hutt
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Upper Hutt City Council is a dynamic and ambitious local authority serving one of Aotearoa's fastest-growing cities. With a strong sense of community identity and a commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for its people and place, we are seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the Council’s Chief Executive.
Reporting to a Mayor and Council known for their collaborative approach and shared commitment to long-term outcomes, the Chief Executive holds ultimate accountability for the operational and strategic performance of the organisation, translating Council's vision into action and ensuring Upper Hutt thrives now and into the future. The term of appointment will be determined by mutual agreement with the Council and the successful candidate.
This is a role for a leader who is energised by complexity: someone to hold the strategic view while delivering day-to-day excellence, who builds trust across diverse communities and stakeholders, and who understands the demands of leading in a public, politically dynamic environment.
The Chief Executive will lead a senior team lead across operations, corporate services, community, engagement, strategy and planning. Key priorities will include stewarding the organisation's financial sustainability, supporting council and staff through reform, and deepening the Council's relationships with mana whenua, central government and the wider region.
Ko wai koe | About you
A values‑led leader, the appointee will be an experienced executive who brings strategic depth and genuine commitment to community.
The successful candidate will have:
- Executive leadership experience in an organisation of comparable complexity, ideally with expertise in leading through contexts of change.
- Demonstrated ability to work constructively with boards, councils or elected members, providing pro-active high-quality advice.
- Proven ability to operationalise strategy, delivering results through others whilst maintaining momentum on complex programmes of work.
- Sound financial and commercial acumen, with experience leading long-term financial planning, asset stewardship or complex balance sheets.
- Genuine commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and experience engaging effectively with iwi and Māori communities.
- The relational intelligence and judgement to lead across diverse and sometimes competing interests.