Group Manager, Network Operations
This is a senior leadership position that directs an operational groups technical services, investment, and strategy to meet crucial three water needs for our community, now and in the future.
- Direct critical engineering initiatives to enhance water services.
- Lead and foster customer-centric operational teams.
- Permanent senior leadership position based in Petone.
This role is critical in leading the operation and maintenance of the water networks in the region, ensuring essential services continue to run efficiently and affordably during a period of transition. We are looking for a leader to join an operational leadership team that is dedicated to driving progress and optimising the delivery of critical water services to the public during a time of change, while maintaining the high standards our communities expect now and in the future.
The opportunity
As the Group Manager, Network and Operations, you will lead teams that are focused on driving our customer experience, network improvement initiatives, asset engineering solutions, and the operational performance and optimisation of Wellington Water’s three waters services through the region. Your leadership will be critical in initiating and directing capital work programmes focused on network improvements, which include renewal or replacement of water and drainage pipelines, pump stations, and reservoirs. You will also be responsible for developing and executing maintenance strategies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and alignment to Wellington Waters organisational strategies.
Through effective communication and programme leadership, you will collaborate with the Group Managers for Treatment and Control Systems and Capital Delivery to form a strong Operations Leadership Group, ensuring Wellington Water’s services remain reliable, affordable, and meet community needs.
About you
To thrive in this role, you will bring significant leadership experience and a deep understanding of public water networks, utilities and water engineering regulations. Additionally, you will have:
- Proven ability to manage complex financial budgets and build benefit-based business cases to finance key initiatives.
- Significant leadership experience, with the ability to coach and foster emerging leaders and set performance measures.
- Experience directing infrastructure projects and overseeing the procurement of commercial and contracted services.
- A strong focus on enhancing customer experience, leveraging feedback and analytics to identify opportunities for improvement
- Competent communication, relationship and engagement experience with key community stakeholders and governing committee’s or boards.
- A relevant tertiary qualification such as environmental, chemical, civil or mechanical engineering.
Benefits
At Wellington Water, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.
Our benefits include:
- Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home
- Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
- Formal and informal professional development opportunities
- 5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service
For a full list of our employee benefits click here.
About us
Wellington Water is the professional water services provider across Greater Wellington and South Wairarapa. Our job is to provide safe and healthy drinking water, collect and treat wastewater, and ensure the stormwater network is well managed. We’re a multi-council owned entity, tasked to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities.
The value of water (a precious taonga) sits at our organisational heart. Our people are passionate about providing waters services for our communities and environment which is reflective in our values; Tangata Tiaki, Whānau and Mana.
Applications close: 28th February 2025
How to apply
To view a copy of the position description: click here.
To apply for the role, click on the 'apply' button or visit the Wellington Water Careers site, please note if you are a Wellington Water employee please apply using your work email.
For a chat feel free to reach out to Andrew Howard on Linkedin or by email andrew.howard@wellingtonwater.co.nz
Applicants will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Wellington Water. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand.
- Department
- Operations
- Role
- Operations Senior Leadership
- Locations
- Petone Office
Petone Office
Staff benefits
1. Inclusive Culture: It is important to us that people love our culture. We embrace a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is at our core. Our team is united by passion, dedication, and a shared care for water and our community.
2. Safety and Support: We provide an Employee Assistance Scheme for crucial personal support, along with wellbeing and lifestyle education delivered through our Wellbe Team, ensuring you feel supported in and out of the workplace.
3. Health is Wealth: We prioritise your health with an annual voluntary health "warrant of fitness," immunisations, and flu vaccinations. Moreover, enjoy annual subsidised vision testing and contributions toward glasses to ensure clear vision.
4. Work-Life Balance: Where possible there is access to flexible work practices. And take advantage of our annual leave, reaching five weeks after three years of service, and 10 days sick leave from starting with us. In addition, take one paid day a year for your personal Wellbeing. We also offer parental leave and partner entitlements to support you during significant life moments.
5. Comprehensive Benefits: We have partnered with providers for discounted Southern Cross medical insurance, periodic vision and hearing tests, and eyewear subsidies. You can also access discounts at a range of retailers via Boost. Gain access to top-notch gear, machinery, PPE, and tools, fostering a safe work environment if you are “on the tools”. We also offer a staff referral bonus paid when a person is recruited for a senior front line position, and we may offer relocation support if you need to move into the district to work here.
6. Professional Growth: Grow your skills with a range of development opportunities. Boosting your personal and work career.
7. Community Connection: You can take one paid day a year to participate in voluntary work on a water-related activity. And maybe join our active Waiata group and be part of a community that works together, sings, and thrives together.
About Wellington Water
Wellington Water is owned by the Hutt, Porirua, Upper Hutt and Wellington city, South Wairarapa District, and the Greater Wellington Regional councils
The work Wellington Water does is vital and rewarding. We’re tangata tiaki for Wellington’s water, and caretakers of our water infrastructure. Every day, we work to ensure that our communities have access to safe, sufficient, reliable and efficient water services. WWL is growing, and opportunities are growing along with it. It’s a transformative time in the industry.
Group Manager, Network Operations
This is a senior leadership position that directs an operational groups technical services, investment, and strategy to meet crucial three water needs for our community, now and in the future.
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