Team Leader Capital Projects | Kaiarataki Kaupapa Matua

Lead a high-performing team to deliver infrastructure and community projects that provide value for money and positive outcomes for Nelson

Shaping our future | Kōmiria te anamata

Shaping Our Future was built with the ideas and experience of our own people. Staff input shaped our Operating Model, and that model now guides our new structure: organised around our customers, clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the future. Part of that vision is a workplace where people feel they belong and have room to grow. If you’re looking to develop your career, use your skills in a new way, or help shape how we serve Whakatū Nelson, we encourage you to apply.

About Nelson City Council | E pā ana ki te Kaunihera o Whakatū

Our vision for Whakatū Nelson is a creative, prosperous and innovative city. Our community is inclusive, resilient, and connected – we care for each other and our environment.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

This is your opportunity to lead the delivery of infrastructure and community projects that support Nelson's growth and enhance community outcomes. As Team Leader Capital Projects, you'll lead a team of project managers responsible for delivering a diverse portfolio of capital projects, ensuring they are completed safely, efficiently, and deliver real value for money to our community.

You'll provide leadership, support and coaching to your team while championing best practice project management, procurement, risk management and contract management. Working closely with internal stakeholders, contractors and consultants, you'll drive quality project delivery, build strong working relationships and ensure successful project outcomes across Council's capital works programme.

You will

• Lead and inspire a skilled, adaptable team that delivers high-quality project management performance and value for money to the community
• Provide sound, high-quality technical advice and expertise
• Ensure infrastructure and community projects are delivered safely, efficiently and on budget
• Champion best practice project management principles, techniques and systems throughout the project delivery cycle
• Maximise financial advantage for Council through effective procurement and contract management
• Lead stakeholder engagement and build relationships to support successful project outcomes
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and project management excellence

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You'll be an experienced project management leader with a strong background in delivering infrastructure projects and developing high-performing teams. You combine sound technical knowledge with strong leadership, commercial acumen and a commitment to delivering value for the community.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring

• Strong leadership skills with experience developing a high-performing team and uplifting project management capability
• Proven experience successfully delivering infrastructure projects
• Strong background in procurement, contract and performance management and risk mitigation with knowledge of commercial contracts and how to leverage value
• Strong project management skills and knowledge of project management methodologies
• Sound technical competency in civil design, drawings and reports
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills with a collaborative and community focused approach
• Strong financial management skills with the ability to balance project requirements with affordability and community expectations
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering (diploma level 6) or a related discipline
• A relevant project management qualification is desirable
• A full current New Zealand driver licence

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives

A fully subsidised health insurance scheme

A flexible workplace including hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance

Generous leave provisions

Learning and professional development opportunities

Access to various employee benefits and discounts

Opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that shape our community's wellbeing and future

* Mountains, beaches and national parks at your doorstep

At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

11pm on Friday 6th November 2026

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

Please reach out to our People team on [email protected]