Programme Manager

Role Overview

This senior leadership position at Tiaki Wai commands end-to-end responsibility for a significant capital investment programme enhancing Wellington's water infrastructure. The Programme Manager steers a multidisciplinary team, including Project Managers and Senior Project Managers, overseeing project portfolios from initiation to completion with a focus on delivering impactful community infrastructure outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of multiple infrastructure projects ensuring adherence to scope, budget, timeline, quality standards, and benefit realization.
• Develop and control programme budgets, forecasts, and manage risks, issues, dependencies, and opportunities to ensure steady progress and delivery predictability.
• Mentor and cultivate a high-performing team culture among project delivery professionals, encouraging accountability and skill development.
• Manage procurement processes, contracts, and commercial elements, including risk, claims, and contractor performance to achieve value for money.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with executives, local councils, mana whenua, consultants, contractors, and community stakeholders, while maintaining effective governance reporting.

Candidate Profile

• A tertiary qualification relevant to Engineering, Project Management, Construction, Infrastructure, or Business Management.
• Holding a recognized programme management certification such as MSP, PgMP, PMP, or PRINCE2 Practitioner.
• Possessing leadership or people management credentials along with expertise in commercial, procurement, or contract management.
• Proven track record in leading complex infrastructure programmes or portfolios, handling multiple concurrent projects and teams.
• Strong experience coaching and developing project delivery staff within matrix or complex environments.
• Demonstrated aptitude for managing programme finances, forecasts, governance reports, commercial risks and performance.

Working Conditions and Benefits

This is a full-time role requiring 40 hours per week onsite in Wellington.

• Flexible work options including up to two days remote work weekly.
• Comprehensive wellbeing initiatives including an additional paid wellbeing day each year.
• A variety of formal and informal professional development opportunities.
• Five weeks of annual leave after two years of continuous service.

About Tiaki Wai

Tiaki Wai is a council-owned entity responsible for water service management in Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Wellington. It manages extensive public water infrastructure, ensuring safe, reliable services supporting public health, environmental stewardship, and regional development. Guided by values of Integrity, Care, and Leadership, Tiaki Wai works closely with communities, councils, and mana whenua to safeguard this precious taonga (treasure) for future generations.

Additional Information

Applicants must be legally authorized to work long-term in New Zealand or be eligible for a work visa.

Applicants for safety-sensitive roles will undergo drug and alcohol screening prior to employment.

Applications close on Sunday, 24th August.