Business Analyst

• Ask better questions. Uncover better solutions.
• Help create better outcomes for Canterbury communities.
• Flexible working and professional development opportunities.

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, water, and communities. 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 grow and 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. 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 role is suited to a naturally curious and analytical thinker who enjoys exploring complex problems, uncovering root causes, and helping people make better decisions through evidence-based insights and recommendations.

Working across a diverse range of projects, you'll partner with leaders, subject matter experts, and stakeholders from across Environment Canterbury.

In this role, you'll work across a diverse range of projects, partnering with leaders, subject matter experts, and stakeholders from across Environment Canterbury. You'll play a key role in the Concept, Discovery and Design & Planning phases of our project delivery framework, helping define problems, understand business needs, assess options, and build the foundations for successful project delivery.

You'll work with stakeholders to explore options, define requirements and support informed decision-making.

By asking insightful questions, challenging assumptions constructively, facilitating meaningful conversations, and translating ideas into clear recommendations, you'll support informed decision-making and help ensure projects deliver value for both the organisation and our communities.

Your work will include:

• Leading discovery workshops to identify root causes, customer needs, business impacts, and opportunities for improvement
• Exploring problems from multiple perspectives and helping stakeholders articulate desired outcomes
• Identifying and articulating expected benefits, outcomes, risks, dependencies, and success measures
• Supporting prioritisation and investment decisions through clear analysis and recommendations
• Developing business cases, options assessments, requirements and recommendations that inform decision-making
• Supporting project delivery, testing, implementation, business readiness, and benefits realisation activities
• Building strong stakeholder relationships across the organisation to drive alignment and successful outcomes

This role requires someone who enjoys moving between strategic thinking and practical delivery, helping shape initiatives from the earliest idea through to successful implementation.

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

Mōu │ About You

You are naturally curious and enjoy understanding how organisations work.

You bring a critical-thinking mindset, seeking to understand the underlying issues behind business challenges and identifying opportunities for improvement.

You can analyse information from multiple sources, connect the dots, and translate complexity into clear and practical insights. You build trusted relationships quickly, engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels, and facilitate discussions that help teams reach shared understanding and make informed decisions.

Comfortable working in ambiguity, you use investigation, analysis, and evidence to guide decision-making and support positive organisational outcomes.

You will bring:

• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
• A natural curiosity and desire to understand the "why" behind issues and opportunities.
• The ability to challenge assumptions respectfully and constructively.
• Experience gathering, analysing and interpreting information to support decision-making.
• Strong facilitation, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to identify themes, risks and opportunities across complex information.
• A pragmatic approach that balances thorough analysis with delivery and outcomes.

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.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience

To be successful in this role, you'll ideally have:

• At least five years' experience in business analysis, business improvement, service design, organisational change, or related discipline
• Demonstrated experience leading concept, discovery, or early-stage initiative assessment activities
• Experience defining business problems, identifying root causes, and developing evidence-based recommendations
• Experience facilitating workshops and engaging stakeholders to build shared understanding and alignment
• Experience developing business cases, strategic assessments, requirements, and options analysis
• Strong understanding of benefits identification, value assessment, and prioritisation approaches
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and stakeholder management capabilities
• Experience supporting organisational change and successful implementation of new ways of working

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 discussion about this opportunity, please contact Ingrid Nabben on 0272356510.

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

Applications close 22 November 2026

We welcome your application and encourage you to apply early. To keep recruitment moving, we review applications as they are received and may begin interviewing 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.

Me mahi tahi tātou | Together we can

Job Description