People & Capability Manager

• Leadership opportunity with genuine influence organisation wide
• Enjoy a broad portfolio across people, culture, health and safety, employment relations and organisational development
• Join a diverse, community-focused organisation that values its people

Enhance our connected culture and take a lead role creating our future!

What the job involves

This is an exciting opportunity to take the lead of our People & Capability team and play a key role in supporting the Ashburton District Council and its people to thrive.

As our People & Capability Manager, you’ll lead a talented team delivering a broad range of people services. You’ll provide trusted advice to managers, the Executive Team and, when required, Elected Members.

You’ll shape and lead organisational development initiatives, review and improve our people policies and practices, support managers through complex employment matters, oversee our safety and wellness initiatives and work alongside our unions.

This is a role where you’ll be both strategic and hands-on. You’ll be encouraged to look for better ways of doing things, challenge the status quo and continue to improve the experience of our employees.

For a copy of the position description click here.

Who are we looking for?

An HR professional with experience and qualification to match the scope of this managerial position. You’ll have:

• Strong knowledge of employment legislation, with a practical understanding of best-practice people management and employment relations.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with confidence advising managers and senior leaders through complex matters.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with a focus on continuous improvement and practical solutions.
• Experience managing budgets and resources

What’s in it for you?

A position where no two days are the same, there is genuine support from the Executive Team, an ability to lead meaningful initiatives and continue to grow your own career.

Here's what you'll get when you join our whānau:

• A brand-new workplace at Te Whare Whakatere
• A team that’s friendly, funny, and genuinely supportive
• Variety and autonomy
• Comprehensive range of employee benefits

Plus, you’ll be based in Ashburton - where the mountains meet the plains, Lake Hood is just around the corner, and Christchurch is a quick hop away.

A bit about us

Ashburton District Council employs over 300 people across a diverse range of roles, including engineers, librarians, accountants, recreation staff, museum and gallery professionals, customer service teams and many more.

Our People & Capability team supports people across all areas of the organisation, making this a genuinely varied and interesting environment to work in.

We’re proud to be community-focused and are committed to creating a positive, productive and inclusive workplace where our people can do their best work.

Ready to make a difference?

We don’t believe there should be any reason stopping you from applying for this role, but if you are still a bit hesitant, why not watch our recruitment video to see what Ashburton District Council can offer you!

If this sounds like your ideal role, then we’d love to hear from you.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the close date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad before the advertised close date.

Applications close at midday, Friday 11 September 2026.