Principal Strategic Advisor

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Tauranga City Council seeks a Principal Strategic Advisor to shape direction, support evidence based decisions, and lead people centered policy and strategy work. The role emphasizes strategic thinking, writing, advice and enabling rather than large capital delivery. You’ll provide strategic analysis to senior leaders and mana whenua, and coordinate business cases, options papers and briefing materials. To succeed, bring 10+ years in strategic advisory or policy, a relevant degree, excellent writing, strong analytical skills and sound judgement, and comfort handling diverse topics and shifting priorities. Apply via the job page, contact Jeremy Boase for information, ensure you have NZ work rights, applications close March 8.

Tau ake rā te moana nei, e papaki kau ana ki te ākau tangata, kakenga waka ka mauru te tohu ki te arearenga o Mauao, he pou herenga mōu, he pou hononga mōu, kia herea ki te tika, kia herea ki te pono. Kia mau, kia ita, kia ū – haumi e, hui e, tāiki e!

Te Tūranga | About the role

We are looking for an experienced Principal Strategic Advisor to help shape the direction of our organisation and support informed, high‑quality decision‑making.

This is a senior advisory role for someone who enjoys thinking strategically, working through complex issues, and turning ideas, evidence and insight into clear advice that decision‑makers can trust.  You’ll work closely with senior leaders and elected members, contributing across a wide range of strategic priorities.

The focus of this role is on strategic thinking, writing, advising and enabling. While project leadership is part of the role, this is not about delivering major capital or infrastructure builds. Instead, you’ll be leading and supporting people‑centred and “word‑based” projects — strategies, policies, frameworks, business cases and organisational initiatives that help the Council move forward.

What you’ll be doing

• Providing high‑quality strategic advice, research and analysis to senior leaders and elected members to support evidence‑based decisions
• Leading and contributing to strategic thinking, frameworks and priorities that guide Council planning and investment
• Developing and coordinating business cases, options papers, submissions and briefing material
• Leading and supporting strategic projects – particularly people‑led and “word‑based” projects such as policy, strategy, planning and organisational initiatives
• Working across the organisation to bring people together, test ideas, and help teams move complex issues forward
• Building strong, trusted relationships internally and externally, including with mana whenua and key partners

Ngā Pukenga | What you’ll need to succeed

We’re looking for someone who combines strong strategic capability with humility, flexibility and sound judgement.

You’ll bring:

• Significant senior experience (around 10+ years) in strategic advisory, policy, planning, business case development or project leadership roles
• A relevant tertiary qualification
• Relevant local or central government experience preferred
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and succinctly
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills
• Confidence to provide advice and challenge thinking when needed
• Adaptability and comfort working across a wide range of topics and shifting priorities
• Experience leading or contributing to projects, particularly people‑led or organisational initiatives

Tō Tātou Kaunihera | About Tauranga City Council

Tauranga City Council is one of Tauranga’s largest employers, and we are always looking to attract great talent to join our driven, passionate, and community-focused team.

We always strive to ensure that you feel valued and supported in the workplace.

To highlight that our people are our greatest asset, we offer a wide range of benefits that include 5 weeks annual leave, flexible hours and work from home options, as well as career development opportunities.

You can find out more about working at Tauranga City Council here.

Te Tukanga | How to apply

If you want to be part of an energetic, fun, and supportive team, then we'd love to hear from you. For more information, please contact Jeremy Boase at [email protected]

Please note we will not be accepting applications via email. If you wish to apply, please click ‘Apply’ at the bottom of this page and follow the link.

Applications will close Sunday 8th March 

We’re committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those living with disabilities.
If you need any support or adjustments to take part in our recruitment process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected]

• You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.
• Tauranga City Council does not accept unsolicited contact or applications from recruitment agencies. We will not pay fees or commissions related to unsolicited contact.

Job Description: Principal Strategic Advisor