Head of Programme Delivery

Role Overview

Lead Wellington Water's capital programme delivery, translating strategic investment into impactful outcomes for local communities. This full-time position is based in Petone, Wellington, requiring 40 hours per week. The remuneration around the midpoint is NZD 193488 (including KiwiSaver), varying by experience and skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, prioritization, and execution of complex capital programmes aligned with approved investments and business cases.
• Mentor and elevate Programme Managers’ capabilities, fostering a high-performing team environment.
• Manage programme governance, including Programme Control Groups (PCG) and Programme Steering Groups (PSG), to ensure financial control and risk mitigation aligned with budgets.
• Act as a decisive leader balancing risks, investment limitations, and asset delivery to maintain programme momentum.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with mana whenua, contractors, consultants, community groups, and senior stakeholders to uphold trust in delivery outcomes.
• Serve as the primary connection between the organisation and Capital Delivery teams to maintain a robust, multi-year delivery programme.
• Promote ongoing process improvements, operational readiness, and realization of benefits across an expanding capital portfolio.

Candidate Profile

• Relevant tertiary qualification in engineering, infrastructure, business, programme management, or similar fields.
• Experience in Local Government delivery and stewardship of assets.
• Certifications in programme/project management such as MSP, PgMP, PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent.
• Proven background leading large-scale infrastructure programmes or portfolios in complex environments.
• Track record of developing high-performance teams including senior coaching capabilities for programme and delivery professionals.
• Strong commercial, financial, procurement, and portfolio management competencies.
• Ability to cultivate trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, consultants, contractors, mana whenua, and communities.

Benefits

• Flexible working options including up to one day of remote work weekly.
• A comprehensive wellbeing programme with one paid wellbeing day annually.
• Access to both formal and informal professional development opportunities.
• After two years of continuous service, eligibility for five weeks of annual leave accrual.

About Wellington Water

Wellington Water Ltd manages water services across Greater Wellington and South Wairarapa, providing safe drinking water, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management. A transition to Tiaki Wai, a new council-owned water services entity, is planned by 1 July 2026. This entity will have asset ownership and an independent mandate to enhance water services for over 400,000 residents. The organisation upholds values of Tangata Tiaki, Whānau, and Mana, reflecting its commitment to community and environmental stewardship.

Additional Information

Applications close on 12 July 2026. Candidates must be legally permitted for long-term employment in New Zealand or eligible for a work visa. Safety-sensitive role applicants will be subject to pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.