Workflow Improvement Lead

Role overview

Napier City Council is working to make its services quicker, easier, smarter, and more straightforward for the community. Its Business Performance & Data team supports that goal by strengthening financial, data, and information management so leaders can make better decisions and the organisation can perform well. The team is also helping reshape how Finance, Data, and Digital deliver services internally so staff can serve Napier residents more effectively.

In this fixed-term position, you will take the lead on a major workflow transformation effort, improving how work moves through the organisation and helping teams operate with less friction and greater efficiency.

What you will do

• Run a cross-organisation improvement stream focused on making service and process delivery more effective.
• Spot, rank, and deliver meaningful improvement opportunities.
• Review existing processes to uncover delays, inefficiencies, and pain points.
• Work with teams across the council to shape better, more practical workflows.
• Set up and guide a centre of excellence for workflow improvement.
• Strengthen capability in continuous improvement, process design, and structured problem-solving.
• Partner with leaders, managers, and frontline staff to understand issues and develop solutions together.
• Support adoption of new working methods and help embed them into day-to-day practice.
• Introduce tracking, visibility, and reporting tools to improve oversight and decision-making.

What we are looking for

• Background in process improvement, transformation, or operational excellence work.
• Solid knowledge of continuous improvement approaches such as Lean, process mapping, and problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to identify the real issue and turn improvement ideas into measurable outcomes.
• Strong skills in stakeholder engagement, communication, and influencing others.
• Experience helping organisations build capability and sustain change over time.
• A collaborative and practical style with a focus on delivering tangible results.

Working arrangement

This is a full-time, fixed-term role for two years. The position is based in Napier’s CBD and involves 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Pay

The annual remuneration for this role is between NZD 112,912 and NZD 132,837, inclusive of KiwiSaver, depending on skills and experience.

Benefits and perks

• Access to retail discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP).
• Quarterly recognition awards, birthday vouchers, and a social club.
• Annual free flu vaccinations.
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga and NCC Kapa Haka.
• Te Reo Māori language classes.

Other information

Napier City Council is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. The organisation is committed to a fair and accessible hiring process, and support or adjustments can be provided during the application or interview process if needed.

The council works closely with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by its Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which helps grow cultural capability through education and training.

Pre-employment checks are required before joining, which include criminal background screening. Some roles may also require health screening and drug and alcohol testing. Employees may also be asked to assist during Civil Defence emergencies when the community needs support.

Applications are reviewed as they are received, and the vacancy may close once the right candidate has been identified. Full position details are available through the council’s careers information.