Head of Communications

About Watercare

Watercare Services Limited is dedicated to maintaining the health of water which in turn supports the wellbeing of our land and people. The organisation is embarking on an ambitious $14 billion investment over the next decade to meet the needs of our expanding city with climate-resilient water solutions, equating to approximately $3.8 million spent daily.

Role Overview

The Head of Communications & Marketing will oversee the execution of a cohesive, multi-platform communications and marketing approach that aligns with Watercare’s corporate objectives and shapes positive engagement with both internal and external audiences.

This leadership role spans four core areas: external communications, internal communications, marketing, and digital communications. Responsibilities include managing corporate communications activities such as crisis and issues handling, reputation management, media relations, brand stewardship, stakeholder dialogues, and thought leadership initiatives.

An essential part of this position involves maintaining close collaboration with ongoing programmes and risk management efforts across the organisation to ensure Watercare’s messaging remains proactive, cohesive, and consistent. The role demands close cooperation with the CEO and executive leadership, offering strategic counsel on reputation and communication matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and execute a unified brand, communications, and marketing strategy that supports Watercare’s overarching corporate plan.
• Guide reputation management and communication during issues and crises, facilitating timely and appropriate organisational responses.
• Provide strategic guidance on media relations, proactive external content creation, digital communications, internal engagement, and marketing campaigns.
• Establish and nurture strong relationships with Auckland’s Mayor’s Office, Auckland Council, CCOs, media outlets, agencies, and other critical external stakeholders.
• Offer strategic messaging, thought leadership, and reputational advice directly to the Chief Executive and executive team.
• Lead initiatives that bolster stakeholder engagement, public relations, sponsorship, community outreach, and educational programs.
• Enhance internal communications efforts to support organisational culture, change management, health, safety, wellbeing, and ensure employees understand Watercare’s direction and achievements.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will exhibit strong strategic insight combined with exceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to convey complex information clearly and engagingly. Comfortable interfacing with senior executives, board members, shareholder representatives, media professionals, and external partners, they will also foster productive collaborations across various business units.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in directing high-performing teams within communications, marketing, or corporate affairs.
• Proficient in managing reputation, handling issues, and navigating crisis communications effectively.
• Exceptional abilities in communication, presentations, influencing others, and storytelling.
• Capacity to stay calm, constructive, and composed under pressure.
• Strong emotional intelligence, leading with empathy, integrity, and resilience.
• Collaborative approach skilled at uniting diverse groups toward shared objectives.
• Sound judgement, attentive listening skills, and logical problem-solving capability.
• Proficiency in managing varied priorities and workloads within dynamic, evolving environments.
• Customer-centric mindset with a passion for nurturing enduring, trustworthy relationships internally and externally.

Benefits

• Access to training and professional development programs.
• Life and income protection insurance plans.
• Generous parental leave provisions.
• Special discounts available at numerous major retailers.