Water Demand Programme Lead
Influence the future of water demand management, translating long‑term strategy into measurable outcomes.
Lead strategic water demand reduction from the Water Treatment Plant to the tap
Translate strategy into evidence‑based operational outcomes
Based in Petone close to the train station, beach and shops
This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week. Part time hours will be considered.
The remuneration range for this role is $117,099 to $165,316 (including KiwiSaver) depending on skills and experience.
The opportunity
As Water Demand Programme Lead, you will lead the strategic delivery of our Water Demand programme, playing a pivotal role in reducing water losses and consumption across the network and supporting long‑term service, resilience and efficiency outcomes.
This senior role bridges strategy and operational delivery. You will develop and maintain a suite of long‑term strategies and plans that guide investment and performance across water loss and water consumption activities, ensuring initiatives are evidence‑based, well‑coordinated and responsive to a changing operating environment.
In this role you will:
Develop and maintain long‑term water demand, (including water loss and water consumption) strategies, plans and policies that set clear direction, drive demand savings and guide ten‑year investment programmes.
Plan, prioritise and coordinate the strategic delivery of water demand initiatives, focusing on impact, feasibility and alignment with organisational objectives.
Support and inform investment decision‑making through programme briefs, investment cases and evidence‑based analysis.
Monitor, report and communicate programme performance, risks, dependencies and outcomes, including enabling portfolio reporting across benefits, budgets, resources and timeframes.
Advise and collaborate as a trusted water demand subject‑matter expert, building strong relationships and communicating objectives and outcomes across internal teams.
This role is a key influencer in shaping how water demand is managed across the organisation and ensuring strategic intent translates into measurable, real‑world outcomes.
About you
You are a strategic and delivery‑focused thought-leader with deep expertise in water management and a strong understanding of infrastructure or utility environments, both in New Zealand and overseas.
You will bring:
Experience managing or supporting programmes or portfolios in infrastructure, utilities or asset‑intensive environments.
Strong ability to coordinate and influence stakeholders across multidisciplinary planning, operational and technical teams.
High analytical capability, including interpreting data, budgets and investment information and translating insights into clear advice and reporting.
Excellent organisational, communication and financial skills, with a structured, detail‑oriented approach and strong accountability.
You will ideally have a relevant bachelor’s degree in engineering with at least five years’ expertise in strategic water demand, water loss, or a related discipline.
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.