Head of Recovery

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Head of Recovery at Auckland Council offers a senior opportunity to lead Auckland’s recovery function within Auckland Emergency Management, ensuring the region is ready before the next event and stepping up to lead recovery when it happens. You’ll build systems, processes and relationships that help communities get back on their feet, activate recovery operations, and apply lessons from the 2023 severe weather events to strengthen council services. The role demands sound judgement, foresight and agility in a fast moving, high profile environment, and you’ll collaborate with agencies, iwi, council, communities and elected members. To apply, showcase proven experience delivering system wide programs, crisis management and strong senior stakeholder collaboration, tailor your CV to prove resilience and community centred recovery, and highlight your ability to work under pressure. We encourage diverse applicants and offer flexible working; application close date is Monday 16 March 2026; full time onsite in Auckland.

We’re looking for an experienced professional to lead Auckland’s recovery function within Auckland Emergency Management. You’ll ensure the region is ready before the next event, and step up to lead recovery when it happens. 

You’ll put in place the systems, processes and relationships that help communities get back on their feet. When an event strikes, you’ll activate and manage the recovery operations needed for that specific situation. 

This role demands sound judgement, foresight and agility. Recovery work is often fastmoving, highprofile and under pressure.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity 

In this role, you will: 

• Lead Auckland’s recovery planning, coordination and delivery 
• Apply lessons from the 2023 severe weather events and Recovery Office to strengthen council systems 
• Work with partners across agencies, iwi, council and communities to ensure wellcoordinated recovery planning 
• Build and activate strong partnerships to support communitycentred recovery 
• Support or lead recovery operations following emergency events 

You’ll work closely with operational teams, senior leaders, elected members and partner agencies. 

You can view a copy of the position description here.

He kōrero mōu: About you 

You’re an experienced local government professional who is confident in complex, public facing environments. You understand crisis and issues management and can work across a wide range of stakeholders to deliver practical, effective strategies. 

You bring: 

• Proven experience planning and delivering systemwide programmes (e.g., resilience, recovery, service transformation) 
• Confidence working with senior leaders and elected members 
• The ability to build and sustain strong relationships across government, iwi and communities 
• The capability to operate effectively under pressure in a fastmoving emergency management environment 

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement listed. What matters most is your ability to contribute to a purpose-driven environment where diverse experiences are valued. We know that transferable skills can come from experience gained from outside of work.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. 

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

Tono Mai: Apply Now!

Application close date: Monday 16th March 2026

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer. We serve the diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, educational background, or religious beliefs. We also welcome applications from our Rainbow communities as well as disabled and neurodivergent people. We are committed to making our hiring process accessible to everyone. If you require any support or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.