Programme Director, Water Metering
Take our region’s water supply efforts to another level and oversee a multifaceted programme from final investment development to delivery and implementation.
Direct the programme that shapes better management of water services
Long-term programme with substantial exposure and organisational wide impacts
Permanent position, based in Petone
The opportunity
Wellington Water are currently looking for a Senior Utility Leader, Infrastructure Director or Strategic Programme Director that has the proven ability to deliver a multi-faceted programme that will result in the delivery and implementation of an upgraded water network through metering technology of 180 thousand residential connections across the region.
As the Programme Director you will lead a central programme team and provide strategy and direction across the procurement of services, technology requirements, policy change and implementation of asset installation and construction delivery required for the programme’s success. You will take a holistic view across services by working closely with senior leaders, technical experts, board members and key stakeholders. You will take lessons learned from similar metering initiatives to ensure successful programme delivery.
This is a multi-year programme that has a variety of interesting challenges and opportunities, resourcing and governance requirements.
About you
This work programme is essential for Tiaki Wai to make long-term infrastructure and water strategy decisions, and requires understanding of economic outlooks of asset management and investment casing for a programme that changes the way water services are provided within the region. You will have previously managed a large scale long-term civil project for a utility, central or local government entity, from budget and business case development to construction delivery, and have:
Advanced stakeholder engagement skills, including a history of aligning detailed business cases for governance bodies to achieve desired funding.
Fostered relationships and worked collaboratively with Iwi to apply te ao Māori and holistic approaches to programmes that have day-today impacts on rate payers and the public.
Experience developing and implementing frameworks and programme models.
Previous experience establishing commercial models and procurement, and directing work programmes with multiple civil and non-civil workstreams.
An understanding of information, technology and data processes and how they relate to a water network.
Excellent financial and economic outlooks and management.
Leadership experience including managing enterprise change, developing team structure and culture.
Tertiary qualification in project, engineering, planning, economics or business administration, with relevant experience leading programmes with life-cycle values over $200 million.
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.
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: 12th May 2026
How to apply
Please view the full position description here.
To apply for the role, click on the ‘apply’ button or visit the Wellington Water Careers site, if you are a Wellington Water employee please apply using your work email.
For further information, email: Andrew.howard@wellingtonwater.co.nz
Applicants will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing for safety sensitive roles prior to commencing employment in with Wellington Water.
- 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.