Principal Advisor - City Centre

Role overview

In this 12-month fixed-term position, with the possibility of an extension, you will help shape the future of Auckland’s city centre by attracting high-value New Zealand and international businesses into the area. The focus of the role is to strengthen the city centre as an attractive place to invest, work, and grow a business, particularly for organisations in fast-growing sectors such as technology, innovation, and professional services.

Key responsibilities

• Design and lead focused business attraction initiatives that position Auckland’s city centre as a preferred destination for high-growth and future-oriented industries.
• Identify potential investment opportunities, develop them further, and turn them into real outcomes by engaging with companies exploring expansion, relocation, or entry into new markets.
• Create and maintain effective relationships with investors, developers, industry leaders, intermediaries, and strategic partners to support successful business landing decisions.
• Showcase the city centre’s strengths, including its infrastructure, talent pool, innovation network, lifestyle benefits, and commercial potential.
• Guide investors through the full process, from site shortlisting and regulatory navigation through to making local connections, providing aftercare, reporting on the pipeline, and tracking economic outcomes.

About you

To succeed in this role, you will need a strong record of finding, developing, and securing investment opportunities, together with a solid understanding of how businesses choose locations. You should bring commercial judgement, knowledge of economic development, an awareness of sector trends, and an understanding of the business factors that influence growth decisions. The position also calls for the ability to develop trusted relationships with senior business leaders, government representatives, and other key stakeholders, while turning strategy into practical and measurable action. Comfort with digital tools and social media for targeted outreach and promotion is also important.

What we offer

You will join Auckland Council in a supportive and energetic environment where your work will have a direct impact on more than 1.7 million Aucklanders. The role offers the chance to build new capabilities, learn more about social innovation, and contribute to meaningful outcomes for the community. The organisation supports flexible working arrangements, wellbeing, and continuous improvement, and it is recognised for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including GenderTick accreditation and participation in the Pride Pledge.

Additional information

This is a Band I role. Applications close on Wednesday 22 July 2026. If you have questions about the position, you can contact [email protected]. Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. If you need support or have access requirements, you are encouraged to share them during the application process so the recruitment team can assist you.

Employment details

This is a full-time, onsite role based in Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.