Manager - Emergency Management
The Opportunity
A great opportunity to lead emergency management in a district where community safety truly matters. You will provide strategic and operational leadership across the 4Rs - Reduction, Readiness, Response and Recovery, ensuring Rangitīkei District Council reduces risk, is ready for, can respond to and recover from emergencies, as well as ensuring the Community are aware and prepared for such emergencies.
This is a full-time permanent role based in Marton.
About You
You are an experienced emergency management professional familiar with the Rangitīkei District. You have strong understanding and experience of the Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS) and relevant Controller experience in leading and establishing Incident Management Teams (IMT) capable and confident in high-pressure environments. You bring sound judgement, strategic insight and the ability to build trusted relationships across agencies, iwi and communities. Calm, decisive and collaborative, you are committed to strengthening organisational readiness and community awareness and preparedness.
What you will do
- Provide strategic and operational leadership of Council’s emergency management function, ensuring plans, systems and processes are current, tested and fit for purpose.
- Maintain Controller readiness and lead response coordination during emergency events, guiding an effective Emergency Operations Centre and making sound decisions under pressure.
- Lead emergency planning, training and exercise programmes, embedding continuous improvement through reviews and lessons learned.
- Build and sustain strong multi-agency relationships with partner agencies, iwi, lifeline utilities and community groups to support coordinated readiness and response.
- Provide clear strategic advice and reporting to senior leadership and elected members, while overseeing governance, documentation, project delivery and budget management.
What you will bring
- Significant senior-level experience in emergency management, ideally within local government or the public sector, with strong CIMS and IMT capability, knowledge and experience.
- Proven ability to lead calmly and decisively in high-pressure environments, including confidence operating in or stepping into a Controller role.
- Strong relationship management skills, with experience working collaboratively with partner agencies, iwi, staff, communities and senior stakeholders.
- Strategic thinking and governance discipline, with the ability to provide clear advice and reporting to senior leadership and elected members.
- Experience delivering training, exercises and continuous improvement initiatives, supported by sound planning, project and financial management skills.
What we offer
- Flexible and remote working options.
- Personalised career and development plans.
- Individual training allowances.
- Tailored wellness benefits.
The closing date for this role is 5.00 pm on Friday, 3rd of April 2026, however applications will be reviewed and progresses as they come in, so get in early!
For any enquiries about this role please contact Johan Cullis, Group Manager Regulatory an Emergency Management at Johan.cullis@rangitikei.govt.nz.