Head of People & Capability
Waikato District Council
We don’t want to use the phrase “once in a lifetime opportunity” but that’s really what this is. There is endless opportunity for a strategic, people-obsessed leader to take this team and role to the next level and to influence and shape the future direction of our district.
We have a mandate for change – from our Elected Members and from our customers. We’re transforming to meet the future, and we need a leader to reshape our People & Capability framework and set the blueprint that will springboard our success.
We’re on the hunt for a brave and bold leader who gets that our people are our greatest asset and to run with that. Who understands who we are and that embedding tikanga and a Te Ao Maaori viewpoint into everything we do is part of our DNA.
This is a critical leadership position, reporting to the General Manager Enterprise Optimisation and Services, and working closely with The Executive Team to ensure we attract, develop and retain a high-performing workforce. If future-proofing our district for generations to come and developing the potential of our kaimahi gets you excited – then this is the role you!
What you’ll do/ Ngaa mahi ka kawea e koe:
- Lead and deliver a people and capability strategy aligned with our priorities and iwi aspirations
- Coach and support a skilled HR team focused on delivering best-practice services
- Oversee workforce planning, organisational design and change leadership initiatives
- Champion diversity, inclusion and cultural competency across people practices
- Design and embed learning, development and leadership pathways
- Strengthen employee engagement and create safe, supportive work environments
- Provide strategic advice to senior leaders and build strong stakeholder relationships
- Develop and optimise HR systems and analytics to deliver meaningful people insights and enhance evidence-based decision-making
- Develop how we incorporate Te Ao Maaori values into all HR practices and disciplines, embed Te Reo Maaori across the organisation and develop our tikanga closely with Manu Taaiko – our Maaori partnerships team
What you bring/ Ngaa taonga kawea mai e koe:
- Senior leadership experience in HR or people and capability roles within medium–large organisations
- Proven ability to implement and lead sound HR disciplines that intersects people, our customers and communities, and strategy
- Proven ability to lead through change, deliver transformation and develop people strategies
- Strong knowledge of Aotearoa’s employment legislation and employment relations
- Experience working in unionised environments and navigating complex ER matters
- Empathetic, culturally aware and confident in building trusted relationships across diverse teams
- Commitment to te ao Maaori, with understanding of or willingness to learn tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Collaborative and courageous, with a values-led leadership style and a continuous improvement mindset
Candidate briefing pack: https://www.robertwalters.co.nz/content/dam/robert-walters-redesign/country/new-zealand/files/misc/hpc_cbp.pdf
How to apply
Applications are now open for this impactful leadership opportunity. Don‘t wait – get in touch with us or chat today.
Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence in this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Sarah Mowbray on +64 4 471 9723.
