Job Description

Napier’s water network relies on robust, intelligent and future-ready control systems—and this role leads the charge. As Network Controls System Lead, you will drive the renewal, performance, and ongoing evolution of our SCADA and control systems environment, ensuring our water operations are safe, reliable, and built for the future.

You’ll bring together engineering expertise, system thinking, and strong stakeholder leadership to deliver integrated outcomes across electrical, telemetry, IT and operational technology systems. Working across internal teams, consultants and technology partners, you’ll ensure our network controls are not only fit for today, but positioned for tomorrow’s challenges.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Lead the renewal, optimisation, and long-term development of Napier’s SCADA and network control systems

• Oversee planning and delivery of control systems capital works, ensuring alignment with asset management and infrastructure strategy

• Provide technical leadership across SCADA, telemetry, electrical, and IT-based control environments

• Act as the key authority for SCADA change control, system integrity, and complex operational issue resolution

• Collaborate with internal teams, contractors, and suppliers to deliver integrated and high-performing control system outcomes

• Shape how operational data is captured, reported, and used to improve water network performance and decision-making

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• Significant experience in SCADA and control systems within complex operational or infrastructure environments

• Natural leadership capability, with experience guiding technical teams, mentoring others, and building capability across people and systems

• Strong understanding of the full lifecycle of control systems, from design and commissioning through to optimisation and ongoing management

• Confidence working across telemetry, communications networks, and industrial control technologies

• Clear and effective communicator, able to build trusted relationships with technical specialists, contractors, and senior stakeholders

• Ownership mindset with strong problem-solving skills, balancing technical precision with practical delivery outcomes

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks' annual leave after 2 years service

• Discounted health insurance work scheme + Eye test subsidy

• Retailer discounts + study assistance

• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)

• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club

• Free flu vaccinations (annual)

• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka

• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent, full time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You will be based in Napier.

The annual salary package for this role is $120,763 - $142,074 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

Kia mōhio mai - Please note

Napier City Council is moving toward a joint regional water entity under the Local Water Done Well reform. This means future changes to how water services are governed and delivered are likely, including potential shifts in organisational structure, reporting lines, and regional collaboration. Applicants should be comfortable working in a dynamic environment and open to evolving responsibilities as part of a larger, regional approach to water management.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening and drug & alcohol testing). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

– Network Controls System Lead