Principal Advisor Waste Planning

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

We’re looking for a strategic advisor to join our Waste Solutions Lead Team as a Principal Advisor Waste Planning. In this role, you’ll provide strategic and operational leadership to high performing teams supporting delivery of the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP) and the Waste Solutions delivery plan.

This role partners with the General Manager and Senior Waste Managers to develop advice for decision-makers, translate policy into operational practice, and drive performance uplift across Waste Solutions, towards our goal of Zero Waste by 2040. It ensures the effective transition of projects into business‑as‑usual and fosters strong collaboration and engagement within Waste Solutions, across the Council Group and external stakeholders to deliver high‑quality outcomes aligned with organisational priorities.

You can find the position description here

The remuneration range is between $ 120,000 -  $145,000 depending on skillset and experience.

Te hiranga o tēnei mahi: Why this role matters

This role ensures Waste Solutions delivers on its strategic, operational, and sustainability commitments by translating policy into practical, customer-focused services and guiding key projects into BAU. Through strong alignment with key stakeholders, it helps us realise our Auckland’s long‑term waste and climate goals, ultimately enabling better customer experiences, and more sustainable outcomes for communities across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Ngā kawenga matua: Key responsibilities

You demonstrate mature leadership through influence, driving performance through clear direction, strong collaboration and high‑trust relationships. With advanced relationship‑management capability, you act as a strategic interface across stakeholders, mana whenua and the waste sector, shaping partnerships that deliver meaningful social, environmental and economic outcomes. You also bring strong personal resilience, maintaining energy, focus and a positive outlook under pressure, coupled with the ability to self‑manage, problem‑solve and deliver effective solutions in complex or demanding situations.

Other Responsibilities include:

• Apply technical and operational expertise to deliver high‑quality outcomes, provide leadership and support to kaimahi, and work with Waste Planning to implement policy  and ensure smooth transitions into BAU.

• Contribute to strategies, policies and programmes that deliver WMMP objectives, especially waste minimisation.

• Provide strategic direction for complex initiatives, identifying risks, advising mitigations and supporting project transition to BAU.

• Lead business planning and performance reporting to align priorities with resource capacity.

• Champion collaboration, engagement and consistency across the leadership team and department.

He kōrero mōu: About you

You are a highly organised and independent problem‑solver who builds strong collaborations and stakeholder relationships. You bring experience in finding practical solutions to complex issues, driving performance, and leading through influence to achieve outcomes. You have experience and drive for waste minimisation.  You enjoy developing quality advice to inform decisions, and have strength in both written and oral communication.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.

• 10+ years’ experience in the waste sector or a similar multi‑disciplinary environment and waste sector (development and/or delivery) or similar industry that delivers outcomes through involving community and stakeholder engagement.

• Proven ability to build and manage relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders, with strong senior‑level collaboration and influencing skills in complex organisational environments.

• Strong writing, analysis and presentation skills, able to present information clearly and credibly in formal settings.

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. 

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!

Applications close: Friday 6th March at 12am NZDT

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis as they come in so, please apply today to avoid disappointment!

If you have any support or access requirements, please advise us by when submitting your application so we can assist you.

If you have any further enquiries please feel free to contact the talent acquisition consultant - Nima on 027 293 5083

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

#workingforauckland 

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.