Principal Advisor Organisational Performance Management

About Environment Canterbury

Environment Canterbury (Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha) is a regional council responsible for managing natural resources such as air, soil, water, and land. The organisation collaborates with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to safeguard the environment's health, ensuring sustainable prosperity for the Canterbury region. Due to evolving environmental and political conditions, the organisation remains flexible and adaptive to regulatory and environmental shifts.

The council's work is centred on delivering three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

Responding to national legislation and policy developments forms an integral part of the council's operations, with ongoing efforts to navigate opportunities and challenges presented by governmental proposals, while maintaining committed delivery of core services.

Role Overview

The Principal Advisor – Organisational Performance Management plays a critical role in bolstering the performance management of the Environmental Regulation and Protection service. This position involves delivering expert advice that integrates service planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting. The role ensures clear priority setting, promotes collaborative work among core service staff, and tracks progress toward strategic long-term objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with senior leadership to aid integrated planning and delivery of core service work programmes.
• Oversee monitoring and reporting on service delivery, performance metrics, and advancement toward long-term targets, catering to Executive Leadership, Councillors, and community stakeholders.
• Provide accurate performance information to support statutory obligations and audit processes.
• Identify, escalate, and recommend actions regarding risks or issues affecting service effectiveness and long-term outcomes.
• Advocate for a unified and advanced approach to performance management across the organisation.
• Coach and assist staff in enhancing business acumen and performance management competencies.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should possess significant experience in organisational performance and programme management, preferably within complex and politically sensitive environments. The ideal candidate demonstrates strategic perspective, sound judgment, and an ability to connect planning, delivery, and reporting functions comprehensively. Independence in working with senior leaders, strong relationship-building skills, and pragmatic advisory capabilities are essential. Additionally, the role requires passion for developing organisational capabilities through coaching, alongside strong business insight, collaboration, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Experience and Qualifications

• A university degree in business, natural resources, or physical resource management.
• Minimum of eight years’ relevant experience in performance or programme management, business analysis, or financial analysis within large, multi-project organisations.
• Proven track record of driving strategic outcomes in complex, regulatory, or public sector contexts.
• Experience thriving in environments requiring agility, sound judgment, and cooperative teamwork.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-caliber executive-level plans, reports, and presentations.
• Strong understanding of current and future business drivers and statutory requirements.

Organisational Values

• Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)
• Pononga (integrity)
• Manaakitanga (people first)
• Whanaungatanga (collaboration)
• Māiatanga (can do attitude)

The organisation celebrates workforce diversity to better serve its communities and environment. It is actively fostering treaty partnerships and incorporating Māori perspectives, encouraging employees on their te ao Māori journey with opportunities for growth in kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori.

Additional Information

For confidential inquiries, contact Carmen Marsh at 021 194 1233.

Applications are accepted through an online application form, accompanied by CV and cover letter. The application deadline is Sunday, 20 September. Early applications are recommended as interviews may commence prior to closing, and the position may close early. Shortlisted candidates will undergo interviews, reference checks, and criminal background verification, with additional screenings as needed.

The organisation is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if all listed qualifications are not fully met.