Executive Assistants

Two senior Executive Assistant positions

Exec-level roles working with exceptional leaders

Fast-paced, action-packed and constantly changing environment

About us

Based in Te Awamutu and Cambridge, Waipā District Council serves the wider district known proudly as "the home of champions".

We are passionate about making positive gains in our community, while navigating the various changes currently facing local government. The focus is on our 30 year Vision as highlighted in our Ahu Ake Spatial Plan which was been designed and agreed with Iwi and mana whenua partners and the wider community. Ahu Ake is brought to life through the shaping of our ten-year priorities, and the by the four community outcomes we are pursuing - social resilience, culture and heritage, a sustainable environment, and supporting a thriving economy.

With a new Chief Executive recently appointed, we are entering a new phase where we are continuing to strive towards our vision - 'to build connected communities', strengthen the organisation and be future fit, and deliver exceptional customer and community outcomes.

We have two (2) positions that have become available due to career progression and retirement:

Executive Assistant to Chief Executive

As we gain momentum, the Chief Executive will need a dynamic Executive Assistant who can keep pace with all the action. No two days are the same, there's lots of competing demands, and there will never be a dull moment in this role! We regularly adjust the plans, quickly pivot, and adapt to incorporate changing circumstances, so thinking on the fly is the norm.

Having a view of the 'big picture' and a deep understanding of the complexities of demands on the CE, the position is well-placed to maximise executive support. It's a very fast-paced position with a wide variety of duties, continuous tasks requiring high-outputs, and regular local travel within the district. The role operates at a high-level in the organisation and has regular contact with the Mayor, Elected Members, Mana Whenua and Iwi partners, Ministers and guests of Council, and a complex range of stakeholders.

Executive Assistant to Group Manager - Strategy

The Group Manager - Strategy leads a team focussed on strategic outcomes, planning and policy. This Executive Assistant position provides dedicated resource, enabling the leader to maximise effectiveness and prioritise deliverables.

Working in a sharp and innovative team environment, this position ensures each day runs smoothly, executive tasks are taken care of, disruption is minimised, and arrangements are seamless. This position is well structured with a substantial volume of work, so forward planning and a very organised approach to work will be critical. The work tasks often require methodical and detailed thinking, with excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

About the roles

For both positions, while holding the bigger picture in mind, deliverables in the role will include supporting the CE and GM as part of the Executive Leadership Team, all key EA duties involving significant correspondence, administrative support, co-ordination internally and externally managing logistics, pulling together intelligence and useful information to support executive level decisions and workloads.

Staying one step ahead of the leader will be important - knowing what's needed at the right time, anticipating next steps and working in the background to make sure everything is well-organised in advance.

Working in a high trust environment, there is also a requirement for absolute discretion and confidentiality, plus exemplary standards of communication and professionalism. A very high level of competency in the use of technology is a must.

The exposure to an array of diverse community and regional initiatives and projects will be fascinating, as will the people you'll meet in our unique district - "the home of champions".

About you

We're searching for two (2) experienced Executive Assistants, so you'll need proven executive team experience showing you can successfully work in this type of role at a very senior level of a large and complex organisation.

You'll need to be a person who uses initiative, adapts easily, thinks on your feet, remains calm under pressure, and can work well with all sorts of people. Identifying priorities for your leader and communicating them effectively will be critical to your success.

You'll also need:

An energetic but calm personality, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks

Excellent ability to manage calendars, diaries, meetings, documents and schedules

Familiarity working with Te Ao Māori

A quick, proactive, and productive approach to work tasks, while maintaining high standards of accuracy

Organisational skills that allow order to be created from complex information

The ability to read a situation and quickly work out what course of action is appropriate in the circumstances

Benefits

These roles work within a dynamic, vibrant and interesting work environment, so there's guaranteed variety in each day. Plus, you'll be contributing to making a real difference to the local community, which will be rewarding in itself.

On top of this, we have a range of benefits including free staff parking, access to a wide range of local discounts, and a genuine commitment to learning and development. The organisation strongly supports staff wellbeing with multiple initiatives, and you'll enjoy financial benefits like health insurance, life insurance and additional leave.

How to apply

Recruitment for these roles is being managed by SVS Consulting. Please apply online with a cover letter and CV via the following SEEK link SVS Consulting Jobs in New Zealand, Job Vacancies - May 2025 | SEEK. It would be helpful if you could indicate which role you would prefer within your cover letter. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and applications will close on Monday, 16th June 2025.

Applicants must be living in and have the right to work in New Zealand.

Reference #

36202

Posted on

30 May 2025

Closes on

16 Jun 2025 17:00

Location(s)

Cambridge, Te Awamutu

Expertise

Administration & Office Support

Job level(s)

Experienced

Work type(s)

Permanent full-time

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