Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive Candidate Briefing Information August 2020 - AWS
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Queenstown Lakes District Council Chief Executive Candidate Briefing Information August 2020 Candidate Briefing Information Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive Page 1 of 19 August 2020
The Role Chief Executive Bold Leadership Enduring Landscapes Vibrant Communities The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) continues to be one of the fastest growing districts in New Zealand. QLDC is at the very heart of the community, employing over 500 staff, managing a wide range of infrastructure projects, community facilities and building and regulatory services. Council has an annual operational budget of over $100m and is committed to a capital expenditure programme of $550m over ten years. QLDC is a significant part of the district’s economy and has a strong focus on delivering great outcomes for residents and ratepayers and a sustainable, high quality visitor experience. While conscious of the current challenges to the Community and the tourist economy, Council is in a strong financial position and remains committed to delivering on key projects for the future. We are seeking a proven, outcome focussed Chief Executive who can understand and embrace the community’s needs, see the bigger picture, and develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives which will provide a strong and sustainable future for the district. Candidates will need to be able to demonstrate a track record of success in a senior leadership role, preferably within the Local Government sector, be politically astute and possess exceptional strategic thinking and inspirational leadership skills. With strong commercial and financial acumen, the ideal person will have the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with elected members, iwi partners, stakeholders, and the community. This is a highly attractive and key leadership opportunity to ensure a sustainable and innovative future for an outstanding region. Candidate Briefing Information Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive Page 2 of 19 August 2020
Overview The Queenstown Lakes District Council has the important role of making decisions alongside and on behalf of the people living in the district. Their mission is to be a “Can do Council – Mahi Kaha” with a ten-year community vision of “Vibrant Communities – Te Oraka Hapori; Enduring Landscapes – Toitu Te Whenua; Bold Leadership – Te Amoraki”. Queenstown Lakes District population has doubled in the last 20 years, with a total residential population of approximately 40,903 (QLDC demand projections 2020). Unprecedented growth in both residents and visitor numbers in the district has presented communities with some significant challenges, and although COVID is likely to delay the short term growth rate, the long-term forecast remains consistent with other projections, as the area remains a desirable place to live, work and visit. Council recognises that they need to be adequately prepared for this growth with comprehensive, considered planning, and to assist with future planning, the Council has spent considerable time and effort developing comprehensive growth projections including all their communities. To also prepare for this projected growth, the Wakatipu Way To Go programme was launched in January 2019, a partnership between Queenstown Lakes District Council, Otago Regional Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency. The development of a community vision looking at life beyond 2050 was also announced by Mayor Jim Boult in August 2018. Addressing key areas of concern such as the environment, employment opportunities, community resilience and embracing Te Ao Māori, the draft vision was developed through community consultation and key stakeholder input. In March 2019, the Council committed to this vision entitled, “A Unique Place, An Inspiring Future - He Wāhi Tūhāhā, He Āmua Whakaohooho”, and work continues by Council to support the embedding of this vision. It has set some strong, endearing aspirations for the community, and ensures a touchstone across Council business, creating a strong sense of direction that will guide Council in coming years. While conscious of the challenges to the Community as a result of COVID-19 Council is in a strong financial position and their Financial Strategy and Infrastructure Asset Management Strategy remain key to their Ten-Year Plan. Accordingly, while the medium-term impacts of the pandemic and the implications for the District are still unclear, the impact will be severe on the tourist economy. Council has a critical role to play in supporting the community through this period and delivering on key projects for the future including Project Manawa, the Ladies Mile Masterplan, and Town Centre upgrades, amongst other projects that will provide support during this time. Staying connected with community will continue to remain a strong focus. Candidate Briefing Information Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive Page 3 of 19 August 2020
Candidate Briefing Information Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive Page 4 of 19 August 2020
The Region
The Queenstown Lakes District is in New Zealand’s Otago Region that was formed in 1986. It is
surrounded by the districts of Central Otago, Southland, Westland and Waitaki. The region covers an
area of 8,719 km2 (not incl. inland waters - 2014), and at the 2013 census, the region had a population
of 28,224. The district is divided into three wards: Arrowtown, Wakatipu and Wanaka.
Queenstown Lakes District Council offices are in the region’s largest city, Queenstown, which sits on the
shores of the South Island’s Lake
Wakatipu, set against the dramatic
Southern Alps.
Widely known as the alpine
adventure playground of New
Zealand, it is renowned for
adventure sports and is the perfect
base to explore the Southern Lakes
region and beyond, a diverse
region made up of spectacular
scenery and awesome landscapes,
with several beautiful towns
populating the region.
The Council
The Queenstown Lakes District Council is based in Queenstown. The Council consists of the Mayor, Jim
Boult, and ten Councillors elected from the 3 wards - six Queenstown-Wakatipu ward Councillors, three
Wānaka ward Councillors, and one Arrowtown ward Councillor. In addition, there is a Wanaka
Community Board, made up of seven members, chaired by Quentin Smith.
The full Council, which meets six-weekly, has four standing committees, and various other committees
formed for specific tasks to monitor and assist in the effective delivery of the Council’s specific
responsibilities.
Mission:
CAN DO COUNCIL | MAHI KAHA
Ten Year Plan Community Vision:
VIBRANT COMMUNITIES | TE ORAKA HAPORI
ENDURING LANDSCAPES | TOITU TE WHENUA
BOLD LEADERSHIP | TE AMORAKI
Candidate Briefing Information
Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive
Page 5 of 19 August 2020
Queenstown Lakes District Council also holds a 75.1% shareholding in Queenstown Airport Corporation
Limited (QAC), a Council-Controlled Trading Organisation (CCTO), with Auckland Airport (24.9%).
As New Zealand’s fourth busiest airport for passenger numbers, and the gateway to Central Otago and
the Southern Lakes region, Queenstown Airport is a key economic driver of the region’s tourism industry
and economy.
Management Structure:
The recruitment of a Chief Executive Officer arises due to the upcoming end of term of the current CEO,
Mr Mike Theelen.
The Chief Executive reports to the Mayor and Council. Queenstown Lakes has a stable Executive
Leadership Team of five Managers as follows:
• Group Manager – Corporate Services
• Group Manager – Finance, Legal & Regulatory
• Group Manager – Property & Infrastructure
• Group Manager – Planning & Development
• Group Manager – Community Services
Currently the Council employs over 500 staff in total.
The Council has total operating revenues of $121.3 million of which $67.2 million is in general and
targeted rates.
For the year ended June 2019, the Council reported a surplus of $52.9m for the year.
The Council now owns assets of $1.8 billion on behalf of its residents and ratepayers.
Source: 2018/2019 Annual Report Summary
Further information on Queenstown Lakes District Council can be found here and further
information on Queenstown and the surrounding area can be found here
To view the 2018/2019 Annual Report visit:
https://www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/council-documents/annual-reports
To view Council’s Ten Year Plan visit here and to view the Vision Beyond 2050 please visit here
Candidate Briefing Information
Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive
Page 6 of 19 August 2020
Source: 2018/2019 Annual Report Summary Candidate Briefing Information Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive Page 7 of 19 August 2020
Position Description Position: Chief Executive Department: Council Location: Queenstown Reports to: Mayor and Council Date: July 2020 BACKGROUND Queenstown Lakes is a unique district with population and economic growth, coupled with an international reputation as a tourist destination that is unmatched. It has a relatively small number of residents (approximately 38,000 in 2018) but experiences 2 million + visitors every year. The Queenstown Lakes District Council has a central role to play in maintaining and enhancing the quality and liveability of the outstanding environment of the district. It also has a central role in development and regulation and provides high quality services and infrastructure to residents and visitors; managing the district’s parks, trails, libraries and recreational facilities; enabling sustainable development through consenting services; and regulating local activities. The 2018-2028 Ten Year Plan aspires to create momentum in a range of areas through a focus on three peaks – enduring landscapes, bold leadership and strong and diverse communities. The 2018/2019 Annual Plan provides for a total of 500+ council staff. With the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry Council recognises the need to support the community through this challenging period but still be prepared for future growth. Candidate Briefing Information Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive Page 8 of 19 August 2020
This will require a comprehensive and considered response. In this regard the Wakatipu Way To Go
programme was launched in 2019.
The development of a community vision looking at life beyond 2050 was announced in August 2018. This
addresses key areas of concern such as the environment, employment opportunities, community resilience
and embracing Te Ao Māori, the draft vision was developed through community consultation and key
stakeholder input. IN March 2019, the Council committed to this vision entitled, “A Unique Place, An Inspiring
Future – He Wāhi Tūhāhā, He Āmua Whakaohooho”, and work continues by Council to support the
embedding of this vision.
VISION, MISSION AND VALUES
We’re proud to be QLDC, and our culture is an important part of who we are. The vision, mission and values
set out below are the foundation for our organisational culture; how and why we go about things:
PURPOSE
The Chief Executive is appointed in accordance with the requirements of S42 and clauses 33 and 34 of
Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002 to be responsible for the effective management and integration
of all QLDC activities under the strategic direction of the Council. This includes:
• Working in partnership with the Council to develop and implement its values, strategies and policies
• Leading and managing QLDC staff and operations in a manner consistent with the Council’s strategy,
policies, programmes and statutory obligations.
The Chief Executive will also play a key role in ensuring the development, implementation and regular
monitoring of strategies and plans in response to community needs, to enhance the economic, social and
environmental wellbeing of today’s citizens and future generations of QLDC.
Candidate Briefing Information
Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive
Page 9 of 19 August 2020KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
1. Statutory functions and responsibilities to Council
To carry out all duties imposed on the Principal Administrative Officer in terms of the Local Government Act
2002, and any other Act or Regulation defining or limiting the functions of the Council.
To act as principal adviser to the Council and its Committees on matters of general policy or concern; to
assist the Council with all aspects of its forward planning, by submitting personally, or by ensuring the
submission of, such reports and recommendations as may be appropriate; and to co-ordinate the advice
and reports of other officers on planning or any other matters.
To establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with the Mayor and Councillors.
To ensure that the Council is advised on all appropriate objectives, strategies and goals in all areas of activity,
and to maintain an organisational structure and environment that will achieve its objectives.
To ensure that all meetings of the Council and its Committees are adequately serviced by appropriate
officers, and that the Councillors receive such assistance, information, or advice as they may reasonably
require.
To ensure that the Mayor and Councillors are advised on matters of protocol and that approved
arrangements for civic functions and ceremonial occasions are meticulously carried out by the staff
concerned.
To ensure the maintenance of all due processes relating to elections and polls, so that these are conducted
in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements and are efficiently and effectively run within the
time constraints imposed.
2. Implementation of Council decisions
To make certain that the Council's resources are so organised as to best ensure the effective and efficient
implementation of Council policies, programmes and other decisions, by external contractors and/or by
staff in all departments and at all levels.
To ensure that the Council is appropriately represented on all public occasions and in dealings or
negotiations with other organisations.
To maintain, along with the Mayor, effective contact with the media, key stakeholders and community
groups with a view to ensuring that Council policy and other decisions are made clear and are fully
understood by those reporting them.
3. Management of staff and resources
To appoint and dismiss all staff within approved budgets.
Ensure that staff maintain proper and consistent standards of integrity and conduct, have concern for the
public interest and service to the community, and interact positively with the public.
To ensure that staff receive appropriate induction, leadership, guidance, and training, and to establish
appropriate performance-based remuneration levels and conditions for all staff.
To ensure that all of the Council's resources are used to best advantage, that is, to identify and indicate a
balance between service levels and cost-efficiency in the determination of financial, staffing and other
resources.
Candidate Briefing Information
Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive
Page 10 of 19 August 2020 To monitor the Council's operations and to take all necessary steps to ensure that they are conducted
efficiently and effectively.
To ensure that all expenditure is effectively controlled by the General Managers and other officers directly
responsible for authorising such expenditure.
To take prompt corrective action where the objectives or standards are not being met, or, in those cases
where such action may not lie within his delegated authority, to make appropriate recommendations to the
Council with a view to achieving such an end.
To provide effective leadership for the Council's Executive Leadership Team, developing and maintaining
appropriate working relationships within the group, encouraging innovation and the free exchange of ideas,
and co-ordinating their work when presenting joint reports or forward planning and developmental
proposals for the Council's consideration.
To ensure that good two-way communications are developed and maintained between Councillors and
staff.
4. Internal and public relations
To provide a sensitive and effective means of communication between Councillors, committees and
management.
To play a pro-active role in developing and maintaining good public relations between the Council, its staff
and all sections of the community, and to foster good communications between them at all times.
To develop and maintain a personal network of contacts in organisations with which the Council deals, in
government, regional government, and local government generally, with a view to being able to exchange
information, and give or solicit appropriate support to or from such organisations, where it is in the Council's
interests and legitimate to do so.
To ensure that the Council's interests are effectively represented at national, regional and local levels by
acting in an advocacy capacity.
KEY RESULTS AREAS
Whilst due allowance will be made for any extraneous variables over which he has no control, the performance
of the Chief Executive will be measured by:
the extent to which Council policies, programmes, decisions, and plans are actioned effectively by Council
Officers
the achievement of approved financial plans and related objectives, including agreed increases in
productivity, cost efficiency and cost-effectiveness
the extent and success of innovation in management and the delivery of services and the quality of resource
management
the extent to which time schedules are adhered to for major projects, and for the preparation of special
reports to the Council
the extent to which regular management reports are available to Councillors by the agreed deadline, and
the quality of reporting thereon
the level of teamwork in all facets of operations, and the extent to which internal and external
communications are enhanced
Candidate Briefing Information
Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive
Page 11 of 19 August 2020 the incidence of valid complaints and reasons therefore, and the speed of response to Councillor and public
requests and complaints
the quality of professional advice given to the Council and Committees of Council and individual Councillors
the development of officers in their level of professional and managerial skills and competence
the extent to which the image of the Council is enhanced with ratepayers, residents, the media, government
departments, local authorities, suppliers of goods and services, contractors, and other segments of the
public
the organisation and conduct of any regional civic functions and/or ceremonial occasions
the effective management of any elections and polls.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Internal:
• The Mayor
• Councillors
• Community Board Members
• Executive Leadership Team
• All QLDC staff
External:
• Ministers of the Crown and Members of Parliament
• Government, Crown Agency and SOE representatives
• Mayors and CEOs of other Local Authorities
• Senior staff from other organisations and Local Authorities
• Business and community leaders
• Cultural groups
• Community organisations
• Ratepayers and the general public
• Media representatives
• CCTOs and CCOs
• Chambers of Commerce
• Destination Queenstown
• Lake Wanaka Tourism
DELEGATIONS
The Council delegates to the Chief Executive any and all of its responsibilities, duties and powers to act on
any matter, subject to the limits and conditions below and excluding those matters in respect of which
delegation is prohibited by any Act or Regulation. This power includes the authority to sub- delegate such
powers as the Chief Executive determines necessary. Key points of that delegation are outlined below, with
more information available in QLDC’s published delegations register:
• The power of the Chief Executive alone to commit the Council to borrowing which has been approved
in the Ten Year Plan or Annual Plan is limited to instruments for a maximum of $30,000,000 of
Candidate Briefing Information
Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive
Page 12 of 19 August 2020principal plus the associated interest payments and where the borrowing complies with the Treasury
Management Policy;
• In the case of transactions in relation to the CAPEX 3 Waters Programme, the power of the Chief
Executive together with the Mayor or Deputy Mayor to commit the Council to a transaction (or to
terminate or vary any transaction) is limited to spend approved in the LTP budget;
• In the case of other transactions the power of the Chief Executive alone to commit the Council to a
transaction (or to terminate or vary any transaction) is limited to:
▪ a maximum of $4,000,000 for capital expenditure; and
▪ a maximum of $1,000,000 for operating expenditure; and
▪ a maximum of $4,000,000 for grants to Destination Queenstown which are approved
by Council in an Annual Plan or Ten Year Plan
Staff Authority
• Number of direct reports: Approximately 5 direct reports
• Total number of staff reporting: Approximately 510 staff
• Authority to employ and dismiss employees
Queenstown Lakes District Executive Leadership Team Structure
July 2020
Chief Executive
Corporate Finance, Legal & General Manager General Manager Community
Services General Regulatory - Planning & - Property & Services General
Manager General Manager Development Infrastructure Manager
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Education
• A tertiary, bachelor degree, qualification in business or other relevant field
• A Master of Business Administration is desirable
Experience
• Demonstrated experience leading a complex organisation with multiple activities and diverse
stakeholder interests
• Substantial experience (20+ years) in management roles in a complex working environment
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a political/public environment
• Experience in managing in Local Government (desirable)
Candidate Briefing Information
Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive
Page 13 of 19 August 2020Skills
• A strong understanding of local government in New Zealand
• Excellent relationship building, networking, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Strong leadership skills including the ability to work collaboratively and positively motivate staff
towards a common goal
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including public speaking, facilitation and media
relations; able to tailor the message and delivery to a range of audiences
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong financial management and analysis skills including experience managing a complex budget
• Political awareness and diplomacy skills
• Ability to adapt quickly and effectively to changing environments
• Excellent analytical skills
• Strong aptitude and understanding of IT
COMPETENCIES
Core competencies for all employees of QLDC:
Customer focus Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of
internal and external customers; Gets first hand customer
information and uses it for improvements in products and
services; Acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains
effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and
respect.
Action Oriented Enjoys working hard; is action oriented and full of energy for the
things he/she sees as challenging; not fearful of acting with a
minimum of planning; seizes more opportunities than others.
Drive for results Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully; is constantly and
consistently one of the top performers; very bottom line
oriented; steadfastly pushes self and others for results.
Integrity & Trust Is widely trusted; is seen as a direct, truthful individual; can
present the unvarnished truth in an appropriate and helpful
manner; keeps confidences; admits mistakes; doesn’t
misrepresent him/herself for personal gain.
Relationship Management & Relates well to all kinds of people, up, down, sideways, inside and
Teamworking outside of the organisation; Builds appropriate rapport quickly;
Builds constructive and effective relationships; Uses diplomacy
and tact; Can defuse high tension situations comfortably.
Health & Safety • Ensures compliance to all legal/statutory and company
requirements for Health and Safety
• Adheres to all QLDC’s Health & Safety policies and
procedures
• Is actively involved in QLDC’s health and safety systems
• Wears relevant personal protective clothing and
equipment as and when required* Use only for roles
where PPE may be required
• Reports any pain, discomfort or other health & safety
concerns as soon as possible
Candidate Briefing Information
Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive
Page 14 of 19 August 2020• Ensures all accidents, incidents and hazards are reported
using QLDC’s Health & Safety reporting procedures
Competencies specific to the role:
Strategic Agility Sees ahead clearly; can anticipate future consequences and
trends accurately; Has broad knowledge and perspective; is
future oriented; Can articulately paint credible pictures and
visions of possibilities and likelihoods; can create competitive and
breakthrough strategies and plans.
Business Acumen Knows how businesses work; knowledgeable in current and
possible future policies, practices, trends, technology, and
information affecting his/her business and organisation; knows
the competition; is aware of how strategies and tactics work in
the marketplace.
Developing Direct Reports and Provides challenging and stretching tasks and assignments; holds
Others frequent development discussions; is aware of each person’s
career goals; constructs compelling development plans and
executes them; will take on those who need help and further
development; is a people builder; encourages people to take
responsibility for their own learning and development.
Informing Provides the information people need to know to do their jobs;
Provides individuals with information so that they can make
accurate decisions and give appropriate advice to others; is
timely with information
Organising Can marshal resources (people, funding, material, support) to get
things done; can orchestrate multiple activities at once to
accomplish a goal; uses resources effectively and efficiently;
arranges files and information in a useful manner.
Candidate Briefing Information
Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive
Page 15 of 19 August 2020Sheffield Contacts
Mike Stenhouse
Executive Director
Mob +64 27 442 8348
Email mike.stenhouse@sheffield.co.nz
Mike has been a Director of Sheffield since 1986 and leads the
South Island operation. He has more than 30 years’ experience
in human resources consulting with particular involvement in
executive search and selection, board appointments and
organisational development projects.
Tania Macdonald
Research Consultant
Ph +64 3 353 4360
Email tania.macdonald@sheffield.co.nz
Tania has a background in investment banking, having worked
at a variety of international investment houses. She now
combines her professional experience in a fast paced
demanding investment banking environment, with her
communication and her business development skills to the
research team at Sheffield.
Gina Moore
Personal Assistant
Ph +64 3 353 4362
Email gina.moore@sheffield.co.nz
Gina joined the Sheffield team in 2018 and comes from a
highly specialised administrative background with extensive
experience in the recruitment industry.
Candidate Briefing Information
Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive
Page 16 of 19 August 2020Our Process
Search and Advertising
During this period a Sheffield consultant may contact you to discuss your
application, explore your motivation for applying and assess your suitability and
fit with the key competencies of the role. All applications received will be
acknowledged via email.
Candidate Review
Sheffield will provide a formal report of all applications received with
summarised candidates’ information from CVs and cover letters, to the client
Week One for their consideration. All candidates will be advised of the status of their
application within a week of the advertised closing date.
Consultant/Longlist Interviews
The lead consultant will interview those candidates selected for progression
either face to face or via Skype/VC depending on location. The format will be a
Week Two behavioural-based interview where you will be asked to provide examples from
your career in relation to key competencies of the role. This will also be a chance
to discuss motivations for applying and general career background, as well as to
answer any queries you may have about the role.
Recommendations for Shortlist
From the initial longlist interviews, Sheffield make recommendations for
shortlist to the client. We also provide a formal report to our client including
Week three summary points from your longlist interview. Those candidates not selected for
further progression will also be advised at this stage.
Client/Shortlist Interviews
If you are progressing to the shortlist/client interview stage, you will be
contacted and arrangements will be made for a suitable time for interview. We
Week Four
ask for your flexibility to make this work as easily for the client as possible.
Due Diligence and Decision
If you are the successful candidate this will involve reference checking and
probity of education, employment and police records as well as online searches.
Week Five Sheffield will support you with any due diligence required on your part.
Unsuccessful candidates will also be informed at this stage and feedback will be
provided.
Candidate Briefing Information
Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive
Page 17 of 19 August 2020How to Apply Candidates can apply, in strict confidence, online at www.sheffield.co.nz. To apply by email, please attach your cover letter and CV and send to cvchc@sheffield.co.nz quoting 7241aa. Applications close on 13 September 2020. Emails will be electronically acknowledged, and further correspondence may be by email. For more information please phone Mike Stenhouse on +64 27 442 8348. Sheffield has prepared a Candidate Handbook which provides you with valuable information and suggestions for your job search. To read through the handbook please visit: Candidate Handbook Working with Sheffield The information contained in this document is a reflection of the essential elements of the position and company history as represented to Sheffield by Queenstown Lakes District Council and is not intended as a formal position description. It will be subject to further elaboration or clarification at a later stage in the selection process and Sheffield accepts no liability for any representations made in good faith. Candidate Briefing Information Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive Page 18 of 19 August 2020
Trusted advisors in sourcing, selecting and shaping leaders for over 50 years www.sheffield.co.nz Candidate Briefing Information Queenstown Lakes District Council - Chief Executive Page 19 of 19 August 2020
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