Senior Strategic Planner, Future Development

Senior Strategic Planner, Future Development

Live, work and play in Aotearoa New Zealand’s most spectacular setting.

No two days at Queenstown Lakes District Council are the same.  Every day we provide services, facilities and programmes essential to the health and wellbeing of our people and environment, while stepping up to the challenges and opportunities that come with being New Zealand’s fastest growing territorial authority.

We’re proud to be QLDC.  Our people are motivated by a shared purpose driven by care, connection and community.  All our roles are at the heart of a dynamic and diverse set of communities where you will be making a genuine difference every day. Join us.

We’re looking for a Senior Strategic Planner, Future Development, to join our Strategy & Policy directorate in a full-time, permanent role based out of our Queenstown offices.

What you’ll be doing / He aha te mahi

As a Senior Strategic Planner, you'll play a key role in shaping the future growth of the Queenstown Lakes district. Working across QLDC and alongside iwi, government agencies, infrastructure providers, developers and community partners, you'll help deliver strategic planning initiatives that support sustainable growth, housing, infrastructure and thriving communities.

This is a varied and influential role that combines strategic thinking, project leadership, stakeholder engagement and policy advice. You'll lead complex growth planning projects, provide expert advice to decision-makers, and help ensure the district is well positioned to respond to growth pressures, changing legislation and future development opportunities.

The role will involve:

• Lead and contribute to spatial planning, structure planning and strategic growth initiatives that support the long-term development of the Queenstown Lakes district.
• Drive implementation of the Queenstown Lakes Spatial Plan and contribute to regional spatial planning programmes and growth-related workstreams.
• Provide strategic planning advice to elected members, senior leaders, governance groups and key stakeholders.
• Manage complex growth projects from planning through to delivery, including scope development, programme management, risk management and reporting.
• Work collaboratively across Council teams to align growth planning with infrastructure, transport, housing, community facilities and funding priorities.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with iwi, government agencies, neighbouring councils, infrastructure providers, developers and community organisations.
• Lead growth monitoring, housing and development capacity work, helping inform evidence-based planning and future decision making.
• Manage consultants and technical specialists, ensuring high-quality planning, reporting, implementation plans and strategic advice are delivered.

What you’ll bring to the role / Ko wai to Pukeka

We're looking for a strategic and experienced planning professional who can confidently navigate complexity, build trusted relationships, and influence outcomes across a diverse range of stakeholders. You'll combine strong technical planning expertise with excellent judgement, communication skills and political awareness, enabling you to translate complex growth and development challenges into practical, evidence-based solutions.

To best succeed in this role, you’ll have:

• A bachelor's degree in Planning or a related discipline, with a postgraduate qualification highly regarded.
• At least 7 years' experience in strategic planning, urban development, growth planning, housing, spatial planning, regional planning or related programme management roles.
• Proven experience leading complex projects and programmes, ideally within local government, central government or a similarly complex environment.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across government agencies, iwi, elected members, developers, community groups and industry partners.
• Excellent analytical, report writing and communication skills, with the ability to turn complex planning, growth, housing and infrastructure issues into clear advice and recommendations.
• A strategic mindset, commercial and political acumen, and the ability to navigate ambiguity, manage competing priorities and identify practical pathways forward.
• An understanding of Te Ao Maori, tikanga Maori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with the ability to apply these principles when working with iwi, partners and communities.

What we offer / Ko a matou whakaratoka

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, wellbeing, and professional growth, including:

• Southern Cross Wellbeing One Plan (Full time, permanent only)
• Discounted membership to our health and fitness facilities
• Hybrid working practices
• Genuine commitment to your training and career development

To apply, please follow the link or for any questions please contact Anita Vanstone, Strategic Growth Manager, at [email protected].

Applications close: Friday 9th October.

Please note we will review and process applications as they come through; we encourage your early application.