Principal Advisor - City Centre

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Auckland Council is seeking a Principal Advisor City Centre for a 12 month fixed term role to attract high value domestic and international businesses into Auckland’s heart, focusing on technology, innovation and professional services to create quality jobs and strengthen the city centre’s global competitiveness. The ideal candidate will lead targeted investment attraction, convert leads, build senior stakeholder relationships, and promote the city centre’s value proposition through data rich storytelling and digital channels. To apply, tailor your CV to demonstrate 5+ years in investment attraction or economic development, show measurable outcomes, highlight relationship building with investors and government partners, and demonstrate the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment. Applications close 22 July 2026.

• Attract high-value businesses into Auckland’s city centre
• Build investor relationships and convert growth opportunities
• Promote the city centre as a leading place to invest, work and do business
• 12 months Fixed-Term with a potential for extension

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

We have a rare 12 months Fixed-Term opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future of Auckland’s city centre by attracting high-value domestic and international businesses into the heart of the city. As Principal Advisor – City Centre, you will focus on bringing in businesses from priority high-growth sectors such as technology, innovation and professional services — helping create quality employment opportunities, grow Auckland’s economic base and strengthen the city centre as a vibrant, globally competitive place to invest, work and do business.
In this role, you will:

• Lead targeted business attraction strategies that position Auckland’s city centre as a destination of choice for high-growth sectors and future-focused industries.
• Identify, develop and convert investment leads, including proactive engagement with domestic and international firms considering expansion, relocation or new market opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with investors, developers, industry leaders, intermediaries and key partners to support investment decisions and successful business landing.
• Promote the city centre’s unique value proposition, including its infrastructure, talent, innovation ecosystem, lifestyle offering and commercial opportunities.
• Support investors through the full investment journey, including site selection, regulatory navigation, local connections, aftercare, pipeline reporting and tracking economic impact.

Click this link to access the Position Description

He kōrero mōu: About you

We are looking for someone with proven experience identifying, developing and securing investment opportunities, along with a strong understanding of what drives business location decisions. You will bring strong commercial acumen, sound knowledge of economic development principles, sector trends and the commercial drivers behind business growth. Success in this role will also require the ability to build trusted relationships with senior business leaders, government stakeholders and key partners, while influencing investment outcomes and translating strategy into clear, measurable action. Confidence using digital tools and social media to support targeted engagement and promotion will also be important.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• At least five years’ experience in investment attraction, economic development, business development or a closely related field.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to understand business needs, market opportunities and investment drivers.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing and communication skills, including the ability to present compelling investment propositions.
• Proven ability to deliver measurable results against agreed objectives while managing multiple priorities in a complex environment.

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. This role is also an opportunity to build new skills and learn about social innovation and the team, while contributing to meaningful outcomes for our communities.

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

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!

Applications close: Wednesday 22 July 2026

If you have questions about the role, please email me directly [email protected]

This role is Band I

#workingforauckland #opportunity2026

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.