Group Manager, Network Operations

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Direct critical engineering initiatives to enhance water services
• Lead and foster customer-centric operational teams
• Permanent senior leadership position based in Petone

This role is critical in leading the operation and maintenance of the water networks in the region, ensuring essential services continue to run efficiently and affordably during a period of transition. We are looking for a leader to join an operational leadership team that is dedicated to driving progress and optimising the delivery of critical water services to the public during a time of change, while maintaining the high standards our communities expect now and in the future.

The opportunity

As the Group Manager, Network and Operations, you will lead teams that are focused on driving our customer experience, network improvement initiatives, asset engineering solutions, and the operational performance and optimisation of Wellington Water's three waters services through the region. Your leadership will be critical in initiating and directing capital work programmes focused on network improvements, which include renewal or replacement of water and drainage pipelines, pump stations, and reservoirs. You will also be responsible for developing and executing maintenance strategies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and alignment to Wellington Waters organisational strategies.

Through effective communication and programme leadership, you will collaborate with the Group Managers for Treatment and Control Systems and Capital Delivery to form a strong Operations Leadership Group, ensuring Wellington Water's services remain reliable, affordable, and meet community needs.

About you

To thrive in this role, you will bring significant leadership experience and a deep understanding of public water networks, utilities and water engineering regulations.

Additionally, you will have:

• proven ability to manage complex financial budgets and build benefit-based business cases to finance key initiatives
• significant leadership experience, with the ability to coach and foster emerging leaders and set performance measures
• experience directing infrastructure projects and overseeing the procurement of commercial and contracted services
• a strong focus on enhancing customer experience, leveraging feedback and analytics to identify opportunities for improvement
• competent communication, relationship and engagement experience with key community stakeholders and governing committee's or boards
• a relevant tertiary qualification such as environmental, chemical, civil or mechanical engineering.

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 the following:

• Flexible working arrangements including up to two days working from home
• Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
• Formal and informal professional development opportunities
• Five weeks annual leave accrual will be available following two years of continual service

For a full list of our employee benefits click here

About us

Wellington Water 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.

The value of water (a precious taonga) sits at our organisational heart. Our people are passionate about providing waters services for our communities and environment which is reflective in our values; Tangata Tiaki, Whānau and Mana.

Applications close: Friday, 28 February 2025.

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 a chat feel free to reach out to Andrew Howard on Linkedin or by email andrew.howard@wellingtonwater.co.nz

Applicants 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.