- Lead a critical infrastructure function with organisation-wide influence.
- Drive the future of capital delivery across the Wellington region.
- Build the capability and partnerships that will define future delivery.
This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week, based in our Petone office
The opportunity
Tiaki Wai is investing in the future of water services for our region.
Reporting to Tiaki Wai’s Executive Operations Leader, you will lead Tiaki Wai’s Capital Delivery Group, which is accountable for the design and delivery of a growing capital programme that has significant investment in renewal and infrastructure development across plant and network.
Setting the strategic direction for capital delivery, you will foster the development of a high-performing group, and ensure governance, capability, commercial disciplines, and delivery frameworks are in place to turn infrastructure priorities into outcomes.
Through effective investment-wide planning and programme leadership, you will collaborate closely with the Group Managers for Treatment and Control Systems and Network Maintenance to form a strong Operations Leadership Group, ensuring Tiaki Wai's services remain reliable, affordable, and meet community needs.
You will:
- Lead the Capital Delivery Group, setting strategic direction across Civil design, PMO, Major infrastructure development and Programme Practice to develop a cohesive centre of programme excellence.
- Provide executive oversight across the full programme and project lifecycle, strengthening governance, assurance, performance and benefits realisation, whilst maintaining relationships and infrastructure delivery requirements in-line with regulatory and council requirements.
- Shape the frameworks, capability and resourcing required to deliver a complex, multi-year programme of critical water infrastructure.
- Drive strong commercial and financial performance, bringing disciplined oversight to investment, procurement, contracts, risk and delivery.
- Build influential, enduring relationships across the Board, councils, mana whenua, contractors, consultants, industry, and the wider organisation.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
- A relevant tertiary degree, supported by substantial senior leadership experience within infrastructure.
- Significant experience leading the delivery of large and complex infrastructure programmes and critical projects.
- Proven experience leading multiple teams and senior people leaders, with the ability to develop high-performing leaders and technical professionals.
- Demonstrated experience shaping infrastructure strategy, policy and delivery direction.
- Deep commercial understanding of engineering and construction contracts, procurement and complex supplier arrangements.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, with the ability to provide strategic oversight across significant capital programmes.
- The executive presence and relationship capability to influence effectively across Boards, executives, councils, suppliers and complex stakeholder environments.
- A strong track record of leading change, driving continuous improvement and building organisational capability.
Benefits
At Tiaki Wai, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.
Our benefits include:
- Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
- Formal and informal professional development opportunities
- 5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service
For a full list of our employee benefits click here.
About us
Tiaki Wai is a council-owned organisation responsible for managing the delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Wellington.
We manage public-owned extensive water infrastructure and oversee the delivery of safe and reliable services for our communities. We focus on long-term investment, asset management, maintenance, and delivering major infrastructure projects that support public health, environmental protection, and regional growth.
Water is a precious taonga. At Tiaki Wai, we put care into every drop and are guided by our values of Integrity, Care, and Leadership. We work directly with water consumers and in partnership with councils and mana whenua to deliver better water outcomes for current and future generations.
Applications close: 4th October 2026
How to apply
To view a copy of the position description: click here
To apply for the role, click on the ‘apply’ button or visit the Tiaki Wai Careers site, if you are a Tiaki Wai employee please apply using your work email.
For further information, email: kelly.ashford@tiakiwai.co.nz
Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Tiaki Wai. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.
