Head of Project Management
Be at the forefront of Transformation of community water assets and services
This is your opportunity to build something extraordinary. Wellington Water is creating a new role, Head of Project Management. A pivotal leadership position designed to elevate project delivery and foster a high performing team of internal and external project managers.
As the conduit between project managers, programme leads, and project directors, you will shape how water infrastructure projects are delivered across the region. Projects that directly impact the health, sustainability, and future of our communities.
The opportunity
As Head of Project Management, you will:
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of 10+ internal project managers and a wider group of external project managers.
- Collaborate closely with Programme Leads and Project Directors and other GLT members to ensure our Capital Delivery Group effectively manages complex and high risk projects.
- Build a Project Management centre of excellence, embedding best practice, consistency, and capability across all project managers
- Develop frameworks and tools to support project success from planning to handover.
- Mediate and align efforts between project managers, programme leads, and project directors.
- Drive accountability, clarity, and continuous improvement in how we deliver.
- Champion a people first culture where high performance and wellbeing go hand in hand.
You will join our Capital Delivery Group’s leadership team and play a strategic role in transforming project delivery across the second largest council controlled organisation (CCO) in the country.
About you
We’re looking for a proven people leader with deep expertise in infrastructure delivery. You’ll bring:
- 10+ years’ significant Programme and Project Management experience, minimum of 7 years transferrable three waters experience
- An in-depth understanding of project and programme governance frameworks and requirements within local government projects.
- Demonstrated success leading and developing high performance, and cross functional delivery teams.
- Internal People Leadership experience with a strategic people and resourcing mindset, and ability to support many FTE’s.
- A collaborative mindset with strong emotional intelligence and a drive for excellence.
- The ability to influence and align stakeholders across all levels, from technical specialists to Project Directors and mediate disputes and resolve conflict between Project Managers.
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: Monday 18th August 2025
How to apply
To view a copy of the position description: click here.
Please note all applications must be made via the application portal by clicking apply on this job advertisement.
For further information, email: JoinUs@wellingtonwater.co.nz
Please note this is a safety sensitive role, if you are not in a current safety sensitive role your application will be subject to a pre-employment drug & alcohol screen.
- Department
- Capital Delivery
- 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.
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