• Shape the future of essential water services by leading critical infrastructure operations
• Lead a high-performing team, champion process improvements, and optimise performance.
• Enjoy the benefits of flexible working arrangements.

Ko wai mātau | About us

The people at Whakatāne District Council love what we do because we do it for others, and that feels good. We work hard and we know it's important to stop and play too. We're on a learning journey because we know we can always do better, and we know we're better together. Will you come on that journey with us? In return, you'll get access to a range of staff benefits including flexible working arrangements, an extra week's annual leave and free or discounted access to our community facilities. You'll never be more than half an hour away from rivers, lakes, forests, beaches and great walks - most are just on your doorstep. We love this place, and you will too.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Manager - Three Waters to join our team and oversee the delivery of high-quality water, wastewater, and stormwater services across the Whakatāne District. This is an exciting opportunity to lead essential infrastructure operations, ensuring the sustainability, compliance, and efficiency of services that meet both current and future community needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and manage the operation and maintenance of water, wastewater, and stormwater networks, including treatment plants.
• Develop a high-performing team with strong operational readiness and emergency response capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, resource consents, and alignment with Asset Management Plans and Council's objectives.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external contractors to drive capital projects and optimize service delivery.
• Lead process improvements and continuous performance optimization to ensure efficient, value-for-money services.

Ko wai koe | About you

You are an experienced leader in water infrastructure management with a strong background in asset and operations management, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning enabling you to deliver high-quality services. You excel in leading teams, fostering collaboration, and driving process improvements. With cultural competency and the ability to work effectively with diverse communities, including iwi/hapū, your problem-solving mindset, technical expertise, and commitment to sustainable service delivery equip you to lead confidently in a complex environment.

Ideally you'll have:

• Minimum five years of experience managing Three Waters or related infrastructure, with a strong focus on asset and operations management.
• Expertise in regulatory compliance, strategic planning, and project management.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams and foster collaborative relationships.
• Strong cultural competency, with the ability to work effectively with diverse communities, including iwi/hapū.
• A recognised qualification in civil or water engineering (Chartered Professional Engineer status desirable).

Ngā whaipainga |Our values

• We're always learning and improving - Toitū te Taumata
• We're passionate and proud - Toitū te Mauri Ora
• We work as one team - Toitū te Mahi Tahi
• We put people at the heart of everything we do - Toitū te Tangata
• We care about our environment - Toitū te Taiao

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

This is your chance to make a meaningful impact on water infrastructure and community services. You will work alongside passionate professionals in a supportive environment, driving innovative solutions and sustainable outcomes for the Whakatāne District. If you are ready to take on this challenging leadership role and contribute to the future of water services in our district, we'd love to hear from you.

For any further information, please phone 07 306 0500 to speak with Bevan Gray, General Manager Infrastructure.

We may progress with interviews as candidates apply, so please don't delay submitting your application.