Graduate Programme 2027 - Customer Experience Graduate

Auckland Council is on the hunt for graduates! If you're in your final year or recently graduated and ready to kick-start your career where your work truly matters, our 2-year rotational Graduate Programme is your chance to get stuck in. Join the largest local government organisation in Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people, and gain hands-on experience and the opportunity to help shape the future of Tāmaki Makaurau as a world-class city.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity
As a Customer Experience and Digital Graduate, you’ll work at the heart of how Auckland Council improves services and delivers change across the organisation.

You’ll be part of a team focused on reimagining customer and workforce experiences, using data, design thinking and structured change approaches to drive better outcomes for Aucklanders.

Your Rotations
Over the course of the programme, you’ll rotate across a range of teams and disciplines, such as:

• Customer Experience (CX) Design
  Support the design and improvement of end-to-end customer journeys, using human-centred design approaches to create simpler, more effective services.
• Insights & Analysis
  Work with customer and workforce data to identify trends, uncover insights, and inform decision-making across key initiatives.
• Change Management
  Contribute to enterprise change initiatives by supporting engagement, communications, and adoption activities that help embed new ways of working.
• Business Improvement
  Help identify opportunities to improve processes, increase efficiency, and deliver better outcomes across council services.
  
  

Across your rotations, you will:

• Work on real projects with organisation-wide impact
• Build capability in problem-solving, storytelling with data, and influencing change
• Gain exposure to senior stakeholders and enterprise-level initiatives
  
  

Each rotation will provide a mix of formal learning, on-the-job experience, mentoring, and meaningful work that builds your confidence and capability.

Start date of programme, Monday 15th February 2027

He kōrero mōu: About you
We’re looking for curious, motivated graduates who are passionate about improving how organisations work and how services are experienced.

You might come from a background in business, commerce, psychology, data/analytics, design, or social sciences, but more importantly, you’ll bring:

• A passion for improving customer and employee experiences
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• The ability to communicate ideas clearly and work collaboratively
• A willingness to learn, adapt, and step into new challenges
  
  

You must have:

• A minimum of a relevant Bachelor’s degree
• Eligibility to work in Aotearoa New Zealand for more than 4 years without sponsorship
  
  

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
You’ll gain a broad understanding of council operations and receive the support you need to step into a permanent role at the end of the programme. We offer flexibility, wellbeing support, tailored learning opportunities, and a development pathway designed to accelerate your career. You’ll also be part of a supportive graduate cohort throughout your journey.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. 

How we’ll support you as a candidate
We aim to provide an experience where you feel comfortable, supported, and able to be yourself.

• We value whakapapa, reo, and tikanga as strengths - bring your whole self to mahi.
• If you prefer a virtual interview or would like whānau support included, just let us know during the recruitment process.
• We’ll work with you on any access needs so you can show your best self.
  
  

For more information about the graduate programme, please visit our careers page. 

Te Tukanga Tono: Application process

• Online application – CV + a few quick questions
• One-way video interview
• Formal interview with a 2-person panel – in person or virtual
• Pre-employment checks
• Offer – Nau mai ki te whānau!
  
  

We will be reviewing and progressing applications as they are received, so get your application in now!  

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of. Nau mai, uru mai, your journey starts here.

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!

Applications close: 29 March

Find a copy of the position description here: Customer Experience Graduate PD

This role has a remuneration range of $65,000

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered. 

#workingforauckland 

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.