Lead Decommission Specialist - 18 Months

• Bring your programme management, public service and built space expertise to deliver real community impact
• Drive the decommissioning of assets to enable smarter, cost-effective, future-focussed service provision
• Opportunity until June 2027

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

The Lead Decommission Specialist will play a pivotal role in Auckland Council’s Delivering Differently programme – a 10-year investment designed to optimise how community services are delivered. The programme is focused on reducing reliance on aging assets, strengthening partnerships, increasing digital access, and integrating services to meet growth, climate resilience, and changing community needs.

This role will lead the decommissioning workstream, overseeing the full process of decommissioning assets that are no longer fit-for-purpose and where services could be better delivered through integration, co-location, or alternative models. Responsibilities include developing criteria, assessing options, developing business cases, securing agreement and approvals, managing procurement and tendering, and leading the physical deconstruction process. 

The position will establish and manage a programme of work that translates strategic aspirations into actionable outcomes, working closely with the Delivering Differently programme manager and the other workstreams leads to provide alignment across initiatives. The Lead Decommission Specialist will also be accountable for progress reporting, budget management, risk monitoring, and ensuring benefits are realised for the Delivering Differently programme.

He kōrero mōu: About you

We're seeking a skilled programme leader with a strong technical and strategic background, and the ability to balance big-picture thinking with practical delivery. You'll bring strong programme management expertise – from planning, scheduling, and budgeting through to resource allocation and benefits tracking – and will be adept at developing work programmes that achieve the best outcomes within financial constraints. Bringing financial and commercial acumen, you'll be confident in preparing investment cases, monitoring budgets, and ensuring value is realised from decisions.

The role requires someone who can operate effectively in a highly political environment, providing clear and credible advice to senior executives, elected members, and boards. Your proven ability to influence decision-making, coupled with at least five years’ experience advising senior stakeholders, will ensure you can balance technical rigour with strategic insight. You'll have the credibility, judgement, and collaborative style to help deliver a significant transformation in how community services are provided.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

You’ll be joining a team of diverse dedicated and respected experts working collaboratively across the organisation, who are passionate about delivering tangible results for the community and future generations. 

We have a culture built on trust and valuing individual as well as collective contributions. Working 40 hours per week Monday to Friday, you will have some flexibility with how those hours are set. 

In return for your hard work, you can expect a flexible and supportive work environment. Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini My success is not mine alone, but the success of many.

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. 

Please use this link to view a copy of the position description.

Please note this is a fixed term/secondment opportunity until June 2027

Applications close Wednesday, 1st October 2025

You will be required to have a valid NZ driver's licence due to the nature of the position where you may be required to travel to various sites across the Auckland region.

This position is deemed a safety sensitive position and will require pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.

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.