Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive and Chair

Published: 14 January 2026

Te whakapakari tahi i tō tātau Taiao – Enhancing our environment together.

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

About The opportunity | Ko te āheinga:

We have a great opportunity for a highly capable and suitably experienced Executive Assistant to support our Chief Executive and Chair. This is a full-time opportunity based in our Napier office, that’ll require you to be a forward-thinker with a proactive attitude. The Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive provides specialised high-level administrative and organisational support to the Chief Executive, Chair, and Councillors, ensuring the efficient functioning of Council operations. This role manages complex diaries, correspondence, and travel arrangements, while handling sensitive and confidential matters with discretion. It involves coordinating meetings, workshops, and corporate events, preparing agendas and documentation, and maintaining Council systems and templates.

The position informally leads the Executive Assistant team, fostering best practice, supporting recruitment, induction, and performance development. Additionally, the role contributes to Council projects, champions branding standards, and ensures excellence in service delivery through proactive communication and continuous improvement.

About you | E pā ana ki a koe:

You’ll be comfortable handling sensitive information with the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism. Strong time management, organisation and excellent communication skills alongside a high level of attention to detail and the ability to multitask is a must to be successful in this position. We're looking for someone who can anticipate change, remain flexible, and bring innovative solutions to the table. Your sound judgment, initiative, and ability to manage multiple priorities will be key to success in this role

Ideally you will also have:

• Relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent tertiary qualification.
• Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or in a senior administrative role supporting Chief Executive or senior leadership.
• Experience in organising meetings, workshops, and large-scale events.
• Experience in handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion
• Previous experience in leading or mentoring administrative staff is desirable.
• Valid NZ full driver’s licence required.

What we offer | Nga huanga mōu:

The salary range for this role is between $69,530 to $81,800 and will depend on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

Other benefits of working for our team 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.

See a full list of our staff benefits here 

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. We're all about excellence, and we encourage open communication – if you need any specific support, just let us know! Our main goal is to empower each person to share their unique talents to contribute to the outcomes for our community. This commitment ensures that our workplace is a dynamic and progressive space where everyone can flourish.

HBRC is responsible for Civil Defence emergencies and as such, all staff may be called upon to support the response.

How to apply | I pēhea ki te whakauru:

Applications close Friday, 13 February 2026, 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.

Applicants must have existing rights to work in New Zealand.

To view the job description please visit our website here

Please apply through Seek. If you would like any further information regarding the role, please email hr@hbrc.govt.nz

About us | E pā ki a mātou:

At Hawke’s Bay Regional Council our purpose is to work with our community to protect and manage the region’s precious taonga of rivers, lakes, soils, air, coast and biodiversity for health, wellbeing and connectivity. Our organisation is diverse and our work is varied. Our structure comprises of six key business units; Corporate Services, Integrated Catchment Management, Asset Management, Māori Partnerships, Policy & Regulation, and the Executive Advisory Group which also consists of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

We focus on prioritising:

Te kounga o te wai, te haumarutanga me te mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi o te whakamarutanga | Water quality, safety and climate-resilient security.  

Kia koi, kia toitū hoki te whakamahinga o te whenua | Climate-smart and sustainable land use. 

Kia ora, kia āhei, kia mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi hoki te rerenga rauropi | Healthy, functioning and climate-resilient biodiversity. 

Kia toitū, kia mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi hoki ngā ratonga me ngā hanganga ā-whare | Sustainable and climate-resilient services and infrastructure. 

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