Mayor's Office Manager

About the role

We are seeking a Mayor's Office Manager to support the Mayor of Hutt City Council in delivering community priorities. This fixed‑term position (until October 2028) offers the chance to work at the heart of civic leadership, guiding a small high‑performing team and influencing strategic decisions that shape Lower Hutt’s future.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop a small Mayor’s Office team, ensuring high performance and collaboration.
• Provide strategic and tactical advice on emerging issues, opportunities and risks.
• Coordinate and monitor delivery of the Mayor’s priorities and key initiatives.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with elected members, iwi, government agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders.
• Manage complex, sensitive and high‑profile issues with professionalism and sound judgement.
• Support the Mayor’s communications, stakeholder engagement and public profile.
• Anticipate risks and identify opportunities to achieve positive outcomes for the city and its communities.
• Ensure the Mayor’s Office operates efficiently and responsively in a fast‑paced environment.

Required profile

• Politically aware with sound judgement and high organisational capability.
• Exceptional relationship‑building and stakeholder‑management experience.
• Proven ability to advise senior leaders, executives or elected representatives.
• Strategic thinker who can also focus on delivery.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing competing priorities in a complex environment.
• Calm, professional and adaptable when dealing with sensitive issues.
• Background in local government, government relations, public affairs, communications, policy or a similar field is highly regarded.

Required skills