Group Manager and Group Controller HB CDEM Group

Our vision is a healthy environment and a resilient and prosperous community.

About The opportunity | Ko te āheinga:

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group is seeking a visionary leader for the Group Manager and Group Controller HB CDEM Group (GM/GC) position.

HBCDEM is in the process of significant transformation post Cyclone Gabrielle and evolving climate change threats. Our mission is to build connections, empower local voices, and enhance collaboration, creating a safer, more resilient community.

The GM/GC will lead and coordinate HBCDEM Group activities, fulfilling planning and response obligations under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. This includes serving as Group Controller during emergencies, supporting local responses, and ensuring regional preparedness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish relationships with key stakeholders.
• Support multi-agency programmes across the 4 Rs (reduction, readiness, response, recovery).
• Foster a positive culture within the Group Office.
• Focus on seamless integration with local controllers and civil defence staff.
• Develop regional training initiatives.
• Ensure system assurance and preparedness.

About you | E pā ana ki a koe:

You must have a relevant tertiary qualification and a minimum of 5 years of proven senior leadership experience in emergency management and response. You should have significant experience in team development and motivation, particularly in multi-agency environments. Strong leadership capability, strategic focus, and the ability to manage change are critical, along with excellent communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills.

You’ll demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to create harmony within a team. You’ll have excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to anticipate change, remain flexible, and be innovative. You’ll show awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and incorporate Te Reo Māori in interactions to demonstrate respect for Tikanga Māori in appropriate settings.

This is a high-performing and motivated team of professionals that you will be joining, offering an opportunity to experience working within local government. Other benefits of working for our team include flexible working options to support work/life balance and a strong commitment to developing and upskilling people within a supportive working environment.

Other benefits include:

• Flexible working options to support work/life balance
• 5 weeks annual leave after 3 years
• 4% superannuation after 3 years
• Life insurance and income protection
• Subsidised eye tests and lenses, flu vaccinations, and other well-being initiatives
• Strong commitment to developing and upskilling people within a supportive working environment.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We recognise that collaborative and innovative organisations depend on having a workforce made up from a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. Our main goal is to empower each person to share their unique talents to contribute to the outcomes for our community.

How to apply | I pēhea ki te whakauru:

Applications close 5 March 2025; however, we will be shortlisting and interviewing appropriate candidates as applications are received. If you are interested in this position, please do not wait to apply as we may close the ad earlier than advertised.

To view the job description, please visit our website here.

Please apply through Seek. If you require any further information, please email