Lead strategic decisions that shape our city’s future

At Hamilton City Council, our purpose is to improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians. To do that, we’re focused on delivering the infrastructure our growing city needs, now and into the future.

We’re looking for an experienced and commercially astute Executive Director – Commercial and Advisory to provide high-level strategic, commercial, and technical advice across our Infrastructure and Assets Group.

This is a unique, senior advisory role where you’ll work closely with the General Manager and senior leaders to influence key decisions, support major programmes, and help ensure successful delivery of infrastructure priorities for our community.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Reporting to the General Manager – Infrastructure and Assets, this role operates across multiple teams, providing expert advice and strategic insight rather than directly managing staff.

You’ll play a critical role in connecting work across the Group, supporting consistent, well-informed decision-making and helping to ensure our infrastructure investments are practical, effective, and aligned with Council priorities.

Strategic and commercial leadership

• Provide high-quality commercial and strategic engineering advice
• Support the development of business cases, investment proposals, and delivery approaches
• Ensure advice is practical, well-reasoned, and aligned to Council priorities

Executive decision support

• Partner with the General Manager and senior leaders on key issues, risks, and opportunities
• Provide clear analysis, options, and recommendations
• Act as a senior technical advisor (similar to a Chief Engineer role)

Programme and project oversight

• Support oversight of significant infrastructure projects
• Ensure risks are identified and managed effectively
• Provide governance insights and contribute to reporting

Commercial and contract expertise

• Guide procurement approaches and commercial strategies
• Support complex contract negotiations and performance monitoring
• Promote consistent, sound commercial practices across the Group

Stakeholder engagement and influence

• Build strong relationships across Council, with contractors, and external partners
• Influence outcomes through collaboration and trusted advice

Risk, governance, and compliance

• Identify and manage risks within Council frameworks
• Ensure decisions consider financial, legal, and reputational impacts
• Support robust and defensible decision-making

Leadership without authority

• Provide formal coaching, mentoring, and informal leadership across the Group
• Connect teams, share insights, and support integrated outcomes

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to operate at the highest level of influence, shaping major infrastructure decisions, supporting executive leadership, and contributing to the long-term future of Hamilton.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

We’re looking for a senior leader who combines technical expertise, commercial thinking, and strategic influence.

You will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering, Business, or similar (MBA desirable), or equivalent experience
• Extensive senior leadership experience (15+ years), ideally within local government
• Strong understanding of the Local Government Act, LTP processes, and legislative requirements
• Deep experience in commercial management, procurement, and contract negotiation
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at executive level
• Strong analytical thinking and business acumen
• Proven ability to lead through influence rather than direct authority

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa $199,154 dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the Position Description
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 13 July 2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.