General Manager Corporate & Governance Communications

Job Type: Permanent | Full Time

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Job Category: Environmental Services

• Lead governance, media and corporate communications
• Senior leadership role shaping regional outcomes
• Join a values-led organisation serving Canterbury communities

Kaunihera Taiao Ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

At Environment Canterbury, we're working together to shape a thriving and resilient Canterbury for current and future generations. As the regional council for Waitaha Canterbury, we care for the region's air, land and water.

Working alongside mana whenua Ngāi Tahu, stakeholders, and communities, we deliver three essential services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

As Canterbury continues to change, so do we. We operate in a dynamic environment, responding to evolving legislation, policy, and community needs while continuing to deliver for our communities, partners, and te taiao (the environment). Adapting to change, embracing new opportunities, and finding better ways of working are all part of creating great outcomes for Canterbury.

Kōrero Mō Te Tūranga │ About The Role

This is a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for leading Environment Canterbury's governance, media, corporate and internal communications functions. Reporting to the Director Communications & Engagement, you'll provide strategic communications advice to the Chair and Councillors, helping shape political positioning, manage complex issues, strengthen stakeholder relationships and the organisation's reputation. You'll lead a high-performing team while providing effective communications that support transparency of the democratic process, organisational culture, change initiatives and meaningful engagement with our communities.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Lead strategic communications and political positioning advice across the organisation
• Lead proactive and reactive media management and issues response
• Oversee the organisation's official information release function
• Drive internal communications, engagement, culture and change initiatives
• Develop and lead a small, high-performing team while fostering strong relationships with councillors, internal stakeholders and media partners

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Mōu │ About You

You're an experienced communications leader who thrives in politically complex environments and can confidently provide strategic advice to senior decision makers. You combine sound judgement, strong relationship-building capability and exceptional communication skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity, risk and organisational change at pace.

You'll enjoy working with others, building trusted relationships, and contributing to positive outcomes for Canterbury. Your approach will reflect our values and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.

You'll Bring

• Significant senior leadership experience in communications, engagement or public affairs
• Strong political acumen and understanding of local or central government environments
• Proven experience managing complex issues, reputation and media risk
• The ability to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups
• A collaborative leadership style with experience developing high-performing teams

Mātau Ā-Wheako │ Experience

You’ll have a relevant degree in communications, engagement, politics, risk management or a related discipline with at least 10 years' experience leading organisation-wide communications and engagement functions in a complex environment along with:

• Recent local or central government communications and engagement experience
• Experience developing and implementing organisational communication and engagement strategies
• Strong experience of developing and implementing communications and engagement strategies to work with iwi, communities, industry groups, media and public sector stakeholders
• Demonstrated success leading communications through significant organisational change and sensitive issues
• A commitment to growing your understanding and application of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and te ao Māori in professional practice

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ Working at Environment Canterbury

We're a values-led organisation, and our values shape how we work, make decisions, and support each other every day.

Kaitiakitanga (Stewardship) – We make good decisions today for a better tomorrow.

Pononga (Integrity) – We act honestly, take responsibility and do what we say.

Manaakitanga (People First) – We put people first and treat everyone with care and respect.

Whanaungatanga (Collaboration) – We build strong relationships and achieve more together.

Māiatanga (Can Do) – We are brave, solution focused and make things happen.

Our values guide the way we work and shape our workplace culture. Throughout the recruitment process, you'll have the opportunity to share examples of how your experiences and approach align with these values.

We know that diverse perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking help us make better decisions and achieve better outcomes for our communities and environment. That's why we're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to contribute.

We're also on a journey to become a Treaty partner of excellence. We support our people to grow their confidence and capability in te ao Māori and encourage the use of kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our everyday mahi. Wherever you are on your journey, you'll be welcomed and supported.

Ko Ētahi Atu Kōrero │ Additional Information

For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Tafflyn Bradford James on 027441 1493.

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter.

Applications close Sunday, 29 November 2026.

We welcome your application and encourage you to apply early. To keep recruitment moving, we review applications as we receive them and may begin interviews before the closing date. The advertising period may be shortened as the process progresses.

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of application and hold work rights that will enable them to fulfil the full term of employment.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal history check. Additional background checks may be required depending on the nature of the role.

As a regional council, all kaimahi may be required to support Civil Defence emergencies and business continuity responses as reasonably required. This role will also act as an escalation point for communications-related decisions outside normal business hours when required.

Me mahi tahi tātou │ Together we can.