The West Coast Region (Te Kaunihera Whakakotahi o Te Tai Poutini) extends over a distance of 600 km from Kahurangi Point in the north to Awarua Point in the south. The fifth largest region in New Zealand, it is bounded in the east by the Southern Alps and in the west by the Tasman Sea. Nature has endowed the Region with a spectacular environment, with over 80 per cent of the land area under Department of Conservation stewardship.
Within this vast natural setting, the West Coast Regional Council plays a pivotal role in managing the environment from an economic, social, cultural and sustainability perspective. This ensures the community and its future generations will continue to appreciate the work opportunities, environment, spectacular outdoors and life balance offered in this stunning part of New Zealand.
Job Description
We are looking for a people-focused and solution-driven leader to step into the key role of Manager – Compliance. This is your opportunity to guide a team that plays a vital role in ensuring that activities across our region align with the Resource Management Act (RMA) and other relevant environmental legislation.
About the role As Manager – Compliance, you will lead a dedicated team responsible for monitoring resource consents, responding to environmental complaints, and undertaking enforcement where necessary. You will provide strategic oversight and day-to-day leadership, making sure our compliance work is fair, consistent, and aligned with Council policy and community expectations.
You will play a hands-on role in managing complex investigations, reviewing enforcement recommendations, and ensuring monitoring regimes are clear, transparent, and robust. With a strong focus on collaboration, you will work closely with teams across Council to support integrated environmental management.
This role also includes being part of our oil spill response team—an important part of protecting our coastal and inland environments.
Desired Skills and Experience
What you will bring
A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience.
At least three years’ experience in a regulatory environment, ideally with exposure to compliance, enforcement, or investigations.
A solid understanding of the RMA and environmental compliance frameworks.
Proven people leadership skills—you know how to support, develop, and empower a team.
Strong communication and relationship management skills—you’re confident engaging with a range of stakeholders, including the public, iwi, and industry.
Confidence to manage complex and sometimes challenging situations with fairness, empathy, and professionalism.
Leadership experience in the local government or environmental sector, and knowledge of natural processes such as hydrology, air quality, or coastal dynamics, would be an advantage.
Why join us? Working at the West Coast Regional Council means joining a supportive, close-knit team of people who care about the place we live and work. We value flexibility, professional development, and work-life balance—and we are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful parts of Aotearoa.
At the West Coast Regional Council, we are proud of the mahi we do to protect and enhance our environment for current and future generations.
Among the many advantages of living and working for the West Coast Regional Council we offer a PSA Collective Employments Agreement.
Ready to apply? If you are ready to lead with impact and help shape a safer, more resilient West Coast, we would love to hear from you.
