Development Programme Lead

About Watercare

At Watercare Services Limited, we believe that healthy water leads to thriving land and people. We are investing significantly in Auckland's future, with plans to spend $14 billion over the next decade to support sustainable urban growth and climate resilience—equating to an investment of $3.8 million daily.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Development Programme Lead to join our Strategy and Planning team based in Newmarket. This fixed-term role until June 2027 focuses on managing relationships and engagement with major developers across Auckland, overseeing significant residential, commercial, and public housing projects impacting infrastructure.

You will serve as the crucial link between developers, Auckland Council, Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs), and Watercare teams to ensure water and wastewater infrastructure planning supports development outcomes. Responsibilities include guiding stakeholders through development processes, coordinating internal expertise, and shaping practical infrastructure solutions that accommodate Auckland's growth.

Key Duties

• Leading Watercare's engagement with major developers from planning to project execution
• Serving as the main contact point for developers, consultants, and external stakeholders
• Coordinating internal inputs across planning, consenting, developer services, operations, and program delivery teams
• Supporting Watercare's role in Fast Track application processes
• Facilitating infrastructure funding and commercial agreements with developers
• Maintaining strong partnerships with Auckland Council, CCOs, Kāinga Ora, and other strategic collaborators
• Ensuring development proposals are integrated into Watercare's planning and investment strategies
• Managing development tracking, reporting, and communications with stakeholders
• Identifying risks, resolving challenges, and promoting collaborative outcomes on complex projects

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a relationship-oriented professional with robust skills in stakeholder management, programme coordination, and problem-solving. They are comfortable navigating complex situations, collaborating across diverse teams, and engaging confidently with a broad range of internal and external partners.

• Tertiary qualification in water and wastewater engineering, resource management, or a related field
• Minimum of three years' experience in infrastructure, planning, development, or engineering environments
• Proven project or programme management expertise
• Strong abilities in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and negotiation
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Capability to manage multiple workstreams and balance competing priorities
• Effective problem-solving skills combined with commercial insight
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive successful outcomes

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Auckland's development sector and growth planning landscape
• Experience handling commercial agreements, funding arrangements, or cost recovery processes
• Understanding of water and wastewater infrastructure systems
• Background working with developers, local government, or public sector entities

Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• Employee discounts at various major retailers