Below is a brief description of this vacancy

This page outlines the vacancy and the key skills and responsibilities for the role.


People and Culture Manager

Feilding, New Zealand

Reference: 6688241

  • Help shape the future of our Council by leading our people strategies
  • Drive our organisation's workforce direction with the full backing of the Executive Leadership Team
  • Be part of a tight-knit, supportive team in a family friendly environment

The organisation

With around 200 staff, the Manawatū District Council is big enough to provide career growth and progression opportunities, but small enough that you can get to know everyone in the team. We're committed to delivering great services and making a real difference for our community.

Our positive workplace culture is something we're proud of, and fiercly protect. It's at the heart of our high performance organisation, with both staff and resident feedback being significantly above the local government benchmarks. But we've got lots of room for improvement, and we're ambitious about what the future looks like - both for us as an organisation, and ultimately for the services we provide to our community.

The role

Reporting directly to the General Manager - People and Corporate, you will:

  • Lead the HR and Safety & Wellbeing functions, and work closely with our Kaitohu Aporei - Māori and the other leaders within the People and Corporate group
  • Lead our organisational development, with a focus on leadership programmes and support, customer service improvements and employee engagement
  • Use modern approaches to enhancing our employer brand, continuing our DEI efforts and refreshing our people policies and processes
  • Work collaboratively with other teams and leaders in the Council to bring the organisational vision to life

Skills and experience

Given this is one of our most senior third-tier roles, you'll need to be an experienced operator, with:

  • Demonstrable strategic thinking skills, along with a pragmatic approach to getting things done
  • Outstanding team and project leadership skills
  • Exceptional facilitation and training delivery skills
  • Competency in te Ao Māori and te reo Māori, or the willingness to learn (bonus points if you could lead our Council waiata/kapahaka group)
  • A sense of humour and the ability to win over people from all walks of life
  • A tertiary qualification in HR, organisational development or another related area, or equivalent experience

What we'll offer

  • A collaborative, supportive team in a genuinely family-friendly environment
  • Professional development opportunities, including leadership support
  • A salary in the range of $110-$173k (mid-point $129/$150k depending on level of experience), with 5 weeks' annual leave

Where we are

If you're already in the Manawatū, you'll know how good we have it with a perfect mix of big city attractions in Palmerston North, and lots of smaller towns, villages and rural lifestyle opportunities in the district. We're a stone's throw from the sea, the mountain and Wellington is just a couple of hours to the south. We've got some of the best schools in the country, a well established university and the region is, we think, one of the best places in New Zealand to raise a family. If you're looking to leave the grind of the inner city and find a better way of life for your whānau, check out more about the Manawatū here.

How to apply

Sound like you? Please click the ‘apply' button below. For a confidential discussion about the role, contact Frances Smorti, General Manager - People and Corporate at frances.smorti@mdc.govt.nz or on 027 202 3625.

Applications Close: 27 Nov 2024

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How to Apply

Applying for any of our jobs is simple. We like to get as much information as we can before making a decision on who we would like to interview, so please set aside 10-15 minutes of your time to tell us about yourself. The process involves three steps:

  1. Find the position you are interested in

Using our website’s search feature, search by keyword or enter a job code if you have seen the position advertised.  Alternatively, you can view all our current job listings on our Vacancies page.

  1. Answer the questionnaire

This is up to 20 questions, which are designed to provide us with a little more information about you.  Answering these questions allows us to process your application more efficiently.

  1. Upload your CV

If you have a CV, you can upload it and your cover letter into our system by following a couple of simple steps.  If you don’t have a CV, it is worth spending some time preparing one before starting the application process.  Please ensure your file is no larger than 2MB.

What happens next?

We will send you an email confirming we have received your application.  Once the recruitment closes, our interview panel will then review all the applications.  If you are successful in being short-listed for an interview then a member of our friendly People and Culture team will contact you with your interview details including if there is any practical exercise involved with your interview.  If your application is not successful in getting an interview then you will receive an email from us advising you of this.

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