Head of Venues & City Culture

Following a recent redesign of our Council to focus on delivering smarter, more connected services that reflect the evolving needs of our community, we’re excited to offer this brand-new opportunity as Head of Venues & City Culture.

In this role, you’ll lead the strategic and operational management of Napier’s Council-owned venues—including our theatres, events, visitor experiences, aquatics, and cultural facilities. You’ll ensure these venues operate efficiently, sustainably, and with a strong community focus, while driving business development, marketing, and commercial strategies that strengthen Napier’s reputation as a destination for events, tourism, and cultural experiences.

We’re looking for a bold, customer-focused leader with proven experience in multi-site venues or large-scale facilities, strong financial acumen, and a passion for delivering meaningful community outcomes. At Napier City Council, we believe in the power of culture to connect people and shape the spirit of our city. This role is your chance to bring creativity, vision, and expertise to champion experiences that are welcoming, diverse, and inspiring, while ensuring operational excellence and commercial sustainability.

This is your opportunity to influence how culture is experienced at every level—from major events that draw national attention to grassroots initiatives that celebrate local identity. Working collaboratively across council, with creative partners, and with our community, you’ll help shape a city that’s alive with possibility.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Provide strategic and commercial leadership to enhance venue growth, community outcomes, and organisational goals.
• Oversee the safe, effective operation of all Council-owned venues, ensuring compliance, service excellence, and asset performance.
• Drive business development and innovation, identifying opportunities to optimise usage, increase revenue, and deliver customer-focused improvements.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with iwi, community groups, cultural organisations, and commercial partners to support positive cultural, social, and economic outcomes.
• Lead financial planning and performance across the venues and city culture portfolio, ensuring long-term sustainability.

• Tertiary qualification in Business, Commerce, Operations, Sport & Recreation Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 12–15 years’ senior leadership experience in venue, facility, or multi-site management, with a proven record of driving efficiency and performance.
• Strong financial acumen with experience delivering budgets, forecasts, and revenue targets.
• Proven experience working with elected members or in a board/governance environment, with the confidence and ability to engage effectively in all interactions with senior leadership—articulating ideas clearly, contributing strategically, and influencing outcomes with credibility.
• Skilled in strategic planning, programme delivery, and stakeholder engagement in community and commercial contexts.
• In-depth understanding of risk, assurance, and health & safety practices, with experience embedding these into operational environments.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years service
• Discounted Health Insurance Work Scheme + Eye Test Subsidy
• Retailer Discounts + Study assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club
• Free flu vaccinations (annual)
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent, full-time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday. You’ll be based in Napier CBD.

The annual salary package for this role is $168,100-$197,800 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer dependent on your skills and experience.

We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including drug testing, with some roles requiring health screening). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Head of Venues and City Culture