Team Leader Policy Planning

• Lead a team of policy planners who provide planning advice to our customers
• Hybrid role with flexible working based in Auckland Central
• Salary will be $119,357 to $145,000 + KiwiSaver contribution

He angitūtanga: The opportunity 

The Central South Unit lead spatial planning projects, process notices of requirement, undertake plan changes and provide policy advice for work in the Central and Southern parts of the Auckland Region.

As one of the three team leaders in the unit, you will inspire, support and develop a team of six to eight planners and principal planners to build their capability and encourage a great team culture. You will manage staff who are currently working on several council plan making initiatives that will make a real difference to all Aucklanders and the region.

Day to day you can expect to ensure that your team provides:

• Policy development and analysis relating to the Auckland Unitary Plan and contributing to the Auckland Plan, Long-term Plan, local board plans and national policy statements and standards
• Quality policy advice into resource consents and fast track consents
• Quality input into policy changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan
• Effective and efficient processing of private plan change requests and notices of requirement for public works
• Professional advice and expertise in the development of area spatial and structure plans

Your team works across the Plans and Places Department, with Council Controlled Organisations, Local Boards, Mana Whenua and other parts of the council.

Click link to access the position description.

He kōrero mōu: About you

You are an experienced people leader demonstrating your capability in building people’s capacity, lifting performance and engagement. 

To be successful in this role, you will:

•    Apply your experience to directly influence Auckland’s future growth by tackling regional and local planning issues
•    Deliver quality plans and projects that support growth, protect Auckland’s environment and heritage and create great places for Aucklanders 

•    Have a strong understanding of the Resource Management and Local Government Act
•    Have solid policy analysis and research skills
•    Be experienced in plan drafting 

•    Have a clear understanding of the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and promote a proactive approach to Māori responsiveness.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

Auckland Council is the largest local government council across Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people and contributing towards making Tāmaki Makaurau an Auckland we can all be proud of.

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!

Applications close: Sunday 23 November 2025 at 11:59pm. 

However, please note that early applications are encouraged as interviews will be conducted as and when applications are received – so apply now to avoid disappointment.

#WorkingForAuckland #SpatialPlanning #PolicyPlanning

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.