Team Leader Resource Consents

Overview

Selwyn District Council is seeking a people-centered Team Leader to join its Planning Leadership team in a permanent full-time position. The district is experiencing strong growth across both rural and urban areas, creating a varied planning environment and a broad mix of resource consent work.

This opportunity suits either an established team leader or someone stepping into leadership for the first time. The council will provide support through coaching, training, and practical guidance to help the right person succeed.

About the role

In this position, you will support the Resource Consents function so it runs efficiently, effectively, and within expected timeframes, while maintaining strong standards of practice and excellent service to the community.

You will also contribute to a team environment built on collaboration, trust, and ongoing improvement, helping staff work toward shared goals and delivering high-quality planning outcomes.

What you will do

• Lead, coach, and mentor team members so they can develop and perform at their best.
• Support the team in managing day-to-day workloads and maintaining strong planning analysis.
• Build constructive working relationships with colleagues, internal stakeholders, external stakeholders, and community contacts.
• Contribute to decision-making on resource consent matters within delegated authority.
• Help manage Environment Court appeals where required.
• Promote a positive and inclusive workplace where people feel supported and respected.

What we are looking for

To be successful, you will bring strong leadership capability and solid experience in resource consent planning. You should be comfortable guiding people, managing priorities, and working across a range of stakeholders.

The council is looking for someone with at least five years of experience in a senior planning role, along with the ability to make informed decisions on consent applications and handle appeal processes.

Our values and culture

Selwyn District Council operates with a strong values-based approach. The organisation is committed to doing good work for the district, thinking creatively, and achieving outcomes together.

The council also acknowledges Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to meeting its responsibilities in partnership with its Treaty partner.

Benefits and support

• Flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance.
• Career coaching and development opportunities.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Wellbeing leave and volunteer leave.
• Three days of paid leave between Christmas and New Year.
• Two weeks of paid partner leave.
• Sick leave available from the first day of employment.
• Continued KiwiSaver employer contributions during savings suspension.
• Discounts available with local and national businesses.

Location

The role is based in Rolleston, Canterbury, at the council’s head office, around 25 km from Christchurch. The location offers access to a family-friendly lifestyle, local amenities, and easy travel to Canterbury’s ski fields, rivers, and hills.

Application notes

Applications are being considered as they are received, and interviews may happen before the closing date. The council is open to different onboarding arrangements depending on individual circumstances and is willing to discuss support for relocation or settling in. Applicants do not need to meet every requirement perfectly; the organisation encourages expressions of interest from people who feel the role aligns with their skills and ambitions.