Council employs 130 people to manage the various services and activities. Many of the them are local residents as well. Staff operate out of a number of buildings, including the Putaruru Service Centre, Watermark Offices, the dog pound/Council depot, libraries, pools and the main administration office.

Council employs people in a wide range of professions from engineering and finance to strategic planning and environmental health. Working in local government is enjoyable; people here get to see the results of their professional efforts while enjoying the results as residents at the same time.

Staff participate in the JRA Best Workplaces Survey each year. In the most recent survey - August 2009 - South Waikato District Council came second out of 33 participating Councils across New Zealand!

Council is managed by the Chief Executive David Hall. There are six people on the Leadership Team:

Human Resources (Murray McAlister)
Human Resources includes: industrial relations, equal employment opportunities, occupational health and safety, recruitment and induction, remuneration policies and training/development.

Community Development (Amanda Hema)
Community Development includes: economic development, community capacity building, youth development, community partnerships, community outcomes, grants and events.

Communications (Kerry Fabrie)
Communications includes: media liaison, advertising, promotions and internal communication.

Group Manager Corporate (Ben Smit)
Corporate includes: revenue and finance, information technology and services, customer services, corporate governance and councillor services, libraries, risk management, legal and strategic planning.

Group Manager Environment (Sharon Robinson)
Environment includes: planning, building, environmental health, liquor licensing, animal control and civil defence.

Group Manager Assets (Roger Fisher)
Assets includes: roading and road safety, asset strategy, water, waste management, landfill, sewerage, stormwater, parks, property and reserves and pools.