Senior Economic Development Advisor

Senior Economic Development Advisor

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.

Join our dynamic Strategy & Policy team as a Senior Economic Development Advisor This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in the Economic Futures team, with a special focus on diversifying our economy. Be part of a dedicated, fast-paced team committed to making a positive impact.

What you'll be doing / He aha te mahi

You will be responsible for helping foster new industries and businesses and leveraging opportunities for tourism to support diversification. Your work will be guided by the Economic Diversification Plan (found here ).

You will be working alongside a wide range of talented individuals and organisations committed to helping create new career and business opportunities in our district.

The role will involve:

• Relationship Management – developing and maintaining positive, collaborative, long term relationships with groups including elected members, Chambers of Commerce, Technology Queenstown, Startup Queenstown Lakes, business support organisations and business leaders
• Programme Management – assisting the Programme Manager in building a work programme for Diversification projects involving, or impacting on, QLDC.
• Project Management – ensuring effective delivery, tracking, financial management and control of all project work streams assigned to the role
• Project Implementation – delivery of a varied range of diversification related activities that support the successful delivery of destination management, climate and biodiversity, and other strategic priorities.
• Kai Tahu and Maori – working in partnership with Kai Tahu to deliver good outcomes for iwi and Maori
• Strategy and Advice – contributing to, and reporting on progress of, relevant strategies. Being a trusted source of information on opportunities to diversify our economy for the organisation, partners, community and elected members.

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

You'll have an affinity to industries identified in the Diversification Plan and/or Economic Development. You bring an understanding of the role of Councils and Economic Development Agencies play in adding value to new industries and businesses. You will be a natural collaborator who others want to work alongside and be enthusiastic about how your skills can make a difference to our amazing community.

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

• A relevant bachelor's degree (or above).
• Proven experience in a mix of economic development and/or business development
• Strong relationship management and interpersonal skills, including a proven ability to work collaboratively with other organisations.
• Proven track record of managing/contributing to successful projects.
• Politically astute and experienced at navigating local and/or national government processes and decision-making.
• (Ideally) established networks amongst local businesses and stakeholders.

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

Have we piqued your interest?

We know that not every candidate will tick every box, and that's okay. If this opportunity feels like a strong match for your skills and aspirations, we'd love to hear from you. We're open to appointing at either the Senior Advisor or Advisor level, depending on the experience and strengths you bring.

To apply, please follow the link. For any questions, please contact Peter Harris, Economic Development Manager, on  or

Applications close: Wednesday 26th November 2025.

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