Head of Waste, Operations & Transport

About the role

This senior leadership position heads Napier City Council’s largest operational portfolio, overseeing waste, transport and city services that affect residents daily.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of waste, transport and city operations services across the council.
• Continue and embed a major transformation programme, introducing new ways of working and driving continuous improvement.
• Inspire and manage a high‑performing leadership team, fostering a culture of trust, accountability and collaboration.
• Promote an engaged workplace where staff feel empowered to embrace change and deliver excellent outcomes.
• Strengthen commercial and financial discipline, balancing community expectations with affordability and sustainability.
• Implement performance frameworks that provide visibility of outcomes, risks and opportunities for informed decision‑making.
• Contribute to strategic planning as a senior organisational leader, ensuring operational realities shape investment decisions.

Required profile

• Proven senior leader with experience in complex, multi‑service environments such as local government, infrastructure, transport, utilities or logistics.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery while leading people through change.
• Comfortable challenging the status quo and building high‑performing, accountable cultures.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Required skills