Manager Democratic Services

We're looking for a Manager Democratic Services to join our dedicated and dynamic Democratic Services business unit. This is a permanent position, based in our central Wellington office, commencing at the end of January 2026.

About the role:

In this role you will take the lead in the delivery of Greater Wellington's Democratic Services functions. You will be a people leader of the Democratic Services advisors, provide advice on democratic and governance matters, attend governance meetings, and be involved in Greater Wellington's election processes. You will champion Official Information good practice across the organisation and lead Greater Wellington's engagement with the Office of the Ombudsman. The Democratic Services functions sit in the Strategy Group.

Skills and experience required:

To be successful in this role you will need to be a self-starter who is able to manage competing priorities. You will work with Councillors, senior management and staff across the organisation, as well as engaging with the community.

You will need to have:

• A tertiary degree in law, commerce, public policy, politics, or a related area.
• Five to ten years of senior advisory experience, preferably in local or central government.
• Demonstrated ability to understand, analyse and interpret relevant legislation, including, but not limited to: Local Government Act 2002, Local Electoral Act 2001, Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act 1987, and Local Authorities (Members Interests) Act 1968.
• Political awareness and the ability to adapt and be responsive to changes in the governance environment.
• A comprehensive understanding of New Zealand's statutory official information framework and its practical application in public authorities.
• Experience in people leadership: managing, leading, coaching and mentoring others.
• Strong project management skills to manage competing priorities, with the ability to take the lead in work and wider departmental/organisational project work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate effectively, with a wide range of people at all levels.
• Familiarity with technology to support governance meetings.
• Capability in Te ao Māori in line with Greater Wellington's Māori Capability Framework
• A full New Zealand driver licence.

What we offer:

• Work to suit your life and whānau with our flexible working policy.
• We'll encourage you to grow and prosper with a range of learning and development opportunities, internal secondments and career progression.
• Your wellbeing is our priority - we'll provide medical and trauma insurance, support through our employee assistance programme, including Rongoā Māori partner providers, generous annual and sick leave, along with Tangihanga leave and support.
• We want you to have a sense of belonging, where you can reflect your personal and cultural identity in the way that you work.
• Social clubs, staff networks and a friendly and inclusive culture.
• Great working environments across our beautiful region.

Come help treasure and grow our rohe together

Our rohe and its lands, waterways, animals, plants and people can only grow stronger if they are nurtured.

To join our team is to step up and commit to playing an active part in this important mahi. That means restoring nature, connecting people and places, reducing environmental impacts, and helping this rohe and its people prosper.

We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and support mana whenua as Kaitiaki. We're also part of a collective movement alongside our community members whose hopes for the future of this region are just as high as your own.

Our efforts across environmental management, public transport, flood protection, regional parks and water supply are interconnected and integral to treasuring our rohe and growing our future

How to apply:

Greater Wellington values diversity and is committed to an inclusive, flexible, and supportive workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and welcome the unique talent and experience you will bring to our team.

We are passionate about ensuring our recruitment processes are fair and equitable. Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs or adjustments that need to be made so we can offer a recruitment process that is more accessible to you.

Click on the Apply link to view the job description and to apply for the role with a cover letter and CV. All applicants will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in New Zealand.

For further information, please contact Francis Ryan,

Applications close: 5.00pm, Thursday, 30 October 2025. However, we will be shortlisting applications as they come in and will interview as soon as possible to secure the right person.

The remuneration for this position, inclusive of all benefits, is $110,081 to $165,122, with a midpoint of $137,602. Starting remuneration will depend on the skills and experience of the successful applicant.

Agency applications won't be considered at this time.