Strategic Portfolio Lead
Shape strategic portfolios that align strategy, investment and delivery to achieve long‑term water outcomes for communities.
Lead the delivery of strategic portfolio development, oversight and reporting
Align investment, strategy and delivery
Based in Petone close to the train station, beach and shops
This is a full time/part time position of 40 hours per week. Part time hours will be considered for outstanding applicants.
The remuneration range for this role is $108,644 to $153,379 (including KiwiSaver) depending on skills and experience.
The opportunity
As Strategic Portfolio Lead, you will be responsible for leading the delivery of the development, oversight and reporting one or more of the organisation’s strategic priorities through well‑planned, coordinated portfolios of work. This is a pivotal role that provides confidence to senior leaders, the Board, partners and stakeholders that investments in water services are aligned to long‑term outcomes, efficiently managed, and delivering tangible benefits for communities.
Working across the organisation, you will ensure that big‑picture strategic goals—such improving environmental water quality or having sufficient water supply to meet the demand —are translated into prioritised, integrated initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes. You will bring structure, clarity and foresight to complex portfolios, enabling leaders to understand what is happening, what is at risk, and where intervention is required.
In this role you will:
Establish and maintain strategic portfolio plans, ensuring initiatives align to strategic portfolio objectives and benefits and deliver measurable results.
Prioritise initiatives by developing evaluation criteria to focus investment on highest‑value outcomes.
Align strategy (Water Service Strategy), funding and delivery by contributing to annual and long‑term investment planning and advising on initiative sequencing.
Monitor and report on strategic portfolio performance including progress of initiatives, budgets, resources, schedules, risks and issues through clear reporting frameworks.
Engage and advise as a trusted strategic portfolio expert, supporting governance, maintaining pipeline visibility, understanding selected initiatives and their interdependence, and building strong internal and external stakeholder relationships.
This role suits a strategic leader who can operate at enterprise level while still being willing and able to “muck in” to ensure outcomes are delivered.
About you
You are an experienced strategic portfolio or programme leader with strong strategic capability and the ability to influence at senior levels across the organisation.
To be successful in this role you will bring:
Proven experience leading strategic portfolios or programmes, delivering outcomes aligned to organisational priorities.
Demonstrated strategic capability, ideally within infrastructure or central or local government, driving measurable organisational or sector performance improvements.
Strong leadership experience coordinating large, multi‑disciplinary teams across complex, changing environments influenced by regulatory or market reform.
Deep understanding of strategic portfolio and programme governance within complex organisations, balancing competing priorities and stakeholder interests.
Exceptional communication skills, supported by sound judgement, adaptability, high emotional intelligence and a strong commitment to safety, quality and delivery.
You will be comfortable operating across all levels of the organisation, joining the dots between strategy and delivery, and ensuring strategic portfolios are not only well managed—but make a real difference for the communities we serve.
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 Ltd 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. From 1 July 2026, a new chapter in water services begins. Tiaki Wai will take over responsibility for providing Three Waters Services to approximately 433,000 residents across the Wellington metro regions.
Tiaki Wai will own the water assets it operates giving it greater independence to manage and improve water services for current and future communities, Wellington Water employees will transition into this new council-owned entity.
The value of water (a precious taonga) sits at our organisational heart. Our people are passionate about providing water services for our communities and environment which is reflective in our values; Tangata Tiaki, Whānau and Mana.
Applications close: Wednesday, 29 April 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 for safety sensitive roles 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
- Strategy and Planning
- 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.