Principal Advisor - Transition
Work with leaders to integrate transition activities into day-to-day operations ensuring the organisation is best positioned to undertake new activities.
Key transition role in water services delivery for the Wellington Region
Opportunity to work in an organisation at establishment phase
Based in our Petone office close to the beach and shops
The remuneration Midpoint for this role is $137,763 (including KiwiSaver) depending on skills and experience
This is a full-time position for a fixed term of 12 months
The opportunity
The Principal Advisor – Transition will lead, deliver and support critical transition activities and stabilisation of establishment work that are important to the successful transition and effective functioning of Tiaki Wai. Reporting to the Head of Transformation, you will contribute to supporting and embedding changes as part of the Transition by:
Providing leadership and guidance across transition activities
Leading and guiding improvement activities that enables Wellington Water’s contribution to Tiaki Wai being set up for success
Establishing the forward improvement and change programme, and driving activities to embed new ways of working
In addition, you will get to:
Deliver on the intent of Water Reform
Drive collaborative work across multiple parties and stakeholders
Support reporting to our Executive leadership and Board
Champion the objectives of the Transition programme and lead continuous improvement initiatives
About you
To be successful in this role you will bring:
Experience in similar roles, leading complex transformation, change or policy programmes.
Strong leadership and strategic thinking with proven relationship, engagement and influencing at a senior level
Drive and initiative, with the ability to proactively problem solve
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written with the ability to produce high quality reports
An understanding the nuances of the political environment that Wellington Water operates in
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: Thursday 25 June 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
- Corporate Services
- 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 Ltd
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.