Principal Hospitality and Stakeholder Engagement

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Council’s Licensing & Environmental Health department has an opportunity for a Principal – Hospitality and Stakeholder Engagement within the Licensing & Environmental Health team.

This is a pivotal role designed to champion Auckland’s hospitality sector by leading the development and delivery of an agile licensing strategy. As Principal – Hospitality and Stakeholder Engagement, you’ll lead the development of an agile licensing strategy, strengthen industry partnerships, and deliver initiatives that make it easier for hospitality businesses to thrive in Auckland.

You’ll be at the forefront of building strong, trusted relationships with industry, community, and council partners, helping reduce barriers and enabling Tāmaki Makaurau’s hospitality industry to thrive.

You’ll also oversee stakeholder communications and engagement strategies, ensuring clear messaging and streamlined processes. Through innovative strategies and thoughtful industry engagement, you’ll help shape a hospitality licencing service offering that supports Auckland’s economic growth and enhances customer experience.

Day-to-day you could expect to work on:

• Building and strengthening relationships across the  hospitality sector, community groups, and council stakeholders
• Leading the development of a dedicated hospitality service offering,  while collaborating with industry partners to co-design solutions that enhance services and reduce barriers to entry
• Supporting major event organisers with licensing compliance and streamlined processes
• Coordinating hospitality content and communication strategies across platforms, including social media
• Providing strategic advice to senior leaders and collaborating across council teams
• Drive continuous improvement, customer experience, and business process optimisation

Please click HERE for a copy of the position description

He kōrero mōu: About you

This role requires experience in similar senior stakeholder engagement or hospitality leadership roles, with a strong understanding of the hospitality industry and regulatory environment. You’ll be a connector, collaborator, and facilitator who thrives on building trust and delivering meaningful outcomes.

You’ll bring strong strategic vision, excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence at all levels. With proven experience in project management and business improvement, you’ll be confident leading complex initiatives in high-accountability environments.

We will be looking for specific experience with:

• 10+ years in large, multidisciplinary organisations, with at least 5 years in stakeholder engagement roles
• Tertiary qualification in hospitality management, environmental health, communications, public engagement, or a related discipline, supported by extensive expertise in hospitality operations and a strong understanding of legislative and regulatory frameworks
• Proven ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships across diverse communities
• Demonstratable experience in business improvement, strategy development and implementation, project management, and continuous improvement methodologies, ideally within Local or Central government
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and presentation skills, with confidence in leading creative and innovative work
• Extensive engagement experience across public and private sector settings with rigorous oversight, including deep knowledge in engagement tools, techniques, and channels

This is a chance to make a real impact on Auckland’s hospitality landscape, helping shape a sector that is vibrant, resilient, and future-focused.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

We will offer you a career-enhancing opportunity to contribute to Auckland’s growth and development by ensuring the right outcomes are achieved for our customers and the general public.  You will be working for an organisation that embraces diversity and has a culture built on trust and valuing individual contributions. If you are high-performing, passionate about Auckland and the world around you, and would like the chance to make tangible and visible improvements to our environment, then join us. 

We offer a range of employee benefits and proudly support flexible working options where possible. View a snapshot of some of our employee benefits HERE.

Help us make a difference to Tāmaki Makaurau.  Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!

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

Applications close: 5 December 2025

The remuneration range for this role is $120,000 – $127,000 (Based on skills & experience)

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered 

*** You will be required to have a valid NZ driver's license

*** Please note this role is deemed safety-sensitive and will require a pre-employment drug & alcohol test

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.