Project Director
This is a rare opportunity to guide a multi-year transformation that will strengthen water resilience for future generations.
Drive the delivery of all phases of major critical three water infrastructure projects
Lead region‑shaping, critical three water infrastructure projects
Own the delivery strategy of performance of major programmes
Lead portfolio of complex, high‑value, strategically vital work.
This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week
The remuneration range for this role is $126,322 to $178,337 (including KiwiSaver), depending on skills and experience.
The opportunity
Over the coming years, Wellington Water will significantly expand its water services delivery programme, accelerate investment and lift delivery performance across the region. As Project Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and growing this programme — providing leadership, structure, and direction as we deliver an ambitious pipeline of critical infrastructure.
The Project Director is responsible for leading a team of project managers to deliver multiple precedent-setting projects simultaneously across the region. You will lead the delivery of the Wellington region's most significant, complex and high-value water infrastructure projects. The successful delivery of critical projects that will enable the Wellington region to meet its three waters requirements.
The Project Director will apply best-practice processes to the management, planning, design, and implementation of water projects. You will have the autonomy to use your experience to influence and shape investment decisions, deliver strategies, and project governance.
By focusing on developing a positive, high-performance team culture, you will work collaboratively within Wellington Water and with our supply chains to achieve strategic outcomes. By partnering with internal stakeholders, you will deliver successful project outcomes by steering investment casing and maintaining accountability across the full delivery lifecycle.
To be successful in this role, you will be skilled in:
Taking responsibility for the direction, management and financial outcome of the critical projects and programmes
Leading the development and delivery within scope, time, and budget parameters
Championing safety in all aspects of design and build
Leading communication and engagement with stakeholders, customers, and the community
Providing leadership and guidance on contracts and procurement, achieving demonstrable value across the supply chain
Overseeing quality management programmes to achieve contract compliance and a quality project
Overseeing the performance of consultant contractors, and wider supply chain
Contributing to continuous improvement efforts in Project and Programme Management by identifying process gaps
Interact with senior management at Wellington Water and governance structures as required.
The ideal candidate will bring proven experience leading major, complex projects in the construction or infrastructure environment, with a track record spanning the full delivery lifecycle - from early planning, business casing, consenting, and design, through procurement, delivery, commissioning, and handover.
You will hold a relevant tertiary qualification, and a qualification in project management will be an advantage.
Just as important, you understand how to bring diverse groups together to deliver high-quality outcomes. You’re a confident communicator, an influential leader, and someone who can build strong relationships across consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders to keep large programmes moving in the right direction.
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 well-being.
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 of 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: 20th February 2026
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 further information, email: JoinUs@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 or eligible to obtain a working visa.
- Department
- Capital Delivery
- Role
- Major Projects
- 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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