Job Description

Full Time | Permanent | Rangiora based

Lead the future of water services in one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts.

Waimakariri District is growing rapidly, and with that growth comes an exciting opportunity to shape the future of essential water infrastructure. We are seeking a Water & Wastewater Manager to lead the strategic management, development, and delivery of our water supply and wastewater services.

This is a pivotal leadership role where you'll influence long-term infrastructure planning, drive service excellence, ensure regulatory compliance, and help deliver sustainable outcomes for our communities and environment.

Why join us?

At Waimakariri District Council, our purpose is simple:

To make Waimakariri a great place to be, in partnership with our communities.

You'll join a progressive organisation that values integrity, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. You'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead the management of critical water supply & wastewater infrastructure.

• Influence long-term planning and investment decisions for a high-growth district.

• Work alongside talented technical professionals and industry specialists.

• Partner with elected members, regulators, consultants, and the wider community.

• Contribute to sustainable environmental outcomes and community wellbeing.

• Play a key role in responding to industry reforms and evolving water-sector regulations.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Water Services Manager, you will provide leadership across the planning, operation, maintenance, and development of the district's water supply and wastewater assets.

You will be responsible for:

• Delivering safe, reliable, compliant, and affordable water and wastewater services.

• Leading strategic asset management and long-term infrastructure planning.

• Developing and implementing water services strategies, asset management plans, and investment programmes.

• Overseeing capital works programmes and supporting the successful delivery of infrastructure projects.

• Leading and developing a team of technical specialists.

• Driving compliance with drinking water standards, resource consents, and regulatory requirements.

• Managing budgets, development contributions, and financial planning.

• Supporting growth planning, climate resilience initiatives, and sustainable service delivery.

• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

About you

To succeed in this role, you'll bring a combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and people leadership.

You'll ideally have:

• A degree in civil engineering, or related engineering or science degree, with CPEng status preferred.

• Significant senior-level experience in water, wastewater, utilities or infrastructure management.

• Strong expertise in asset management, strategic planning and infrastructure investment.

• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex programmes.

• Proven success managing budgets, stakeholders and service delivery outcomes.

• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship management skills.

• Experience within local government or a similarly regulated environment will be highly regarded.

What we offer

• Competitive remuneration package.

• Flexible working options.

• Professional membership and mentoring support through our Engineering New Zealand Professional Development Partnership.

• 15 days sick leave and the option to purchase additional annual leave.

• Long service leave recognition.

• Free access to Council aquatic facilities.

• An active social club and supportive team culture.

• The opportunity to genuinely influence the future of water services in a growing district.

Ready to Apply

If you're ready to lead critical infrastructure, influence long-term investment decisions and make a lasting difference for our communities, we'd love to hear from you!

If you would like to find out more about this role, please contact Kalley Simpson, Water Services Manager on 0800 965 468 (0800 WMK GOV).

Please click here to view a copy of the position description.

Please note, to apply for this role you must be eligible to work in New Zealand.

Please submit your application including your CV and a cover letter by Sunday 20th September 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early.