This organisation is a new joint Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) for Hamilton City Council (HCC) and Waikato District Council (WDC) that will take over the provision of water services from 1 July 2026. This transition will occur in stages such as the current Watercare contract for Waikato District Council transferring to the CCO on 1 July 2026.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

The Operational Technology (OT) Project Manager is responsible for developing and delivering digital infrastructure projects and programmes that support the CCO to reach the planned end-state for integrated digital and operational technology by 2028. The prime focus of this role will be preparing for a new digital and operating technology environment by 2028.

On behalf of the CCO, this role will assess the existing digital infrastructure, contribute to the development of the new end-state digital and operating technology strategy, conrtibute to the business case for the transition to end-state, and support the implemention of the transition to end-state for 2028.

The end-state for 2028 must deliver suitable integrated systems for the ongoing success of the CCO that enable efficient and compliant management of waters infrastructure, assets and operations.

Responsibility for the establishment of digital services and operating technology for Day 1 (1 July 2026) and the operation of digital platforms and systems between 2026 and 2028 will remain the responsibility of the two councils and Watercare under shared services and contractual arrangements.

Partnering with existing Council IS teams and subject matter experts, the position leads transformational digital programmes to support long-term change across operational technology and business intelligence, ensuring an effective digital environment is established by 2028, then ensuring  continuous and ongoing improvement.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• Tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Information Systems, or similar.
• A professional qualification (or equivalent experience) in programme and/or project management.
• Accreditation working within a pragmatic Agile DevOps multi-vendor SaaS environment. 
• At least 10 years’ experience working in digital infrastructure
• At least five years’ experience working in complex project delivery in business intelligence / data science, preferably at least two years’ experience at a programme lead level.
• Proven experience in operational technology including SCADA, telemetry, automation and remote monitoring.
• Extensive experience setting, agreeing, and delivering objectives with executive, senior managers, business owners, SME’s and staff.
• Experience working within a multimodal project delivery environment (agile and waterfall) is essential.
• In-depth understanding and working knowledge of project management methodologies, change management, IT operations and delivery methodologies and processes.
• Experience building and leading technical teams, with a specialty in project teams.
• Advanced technical skills in Microsoft applications, project management tools, operational technology and system integration.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity and associated standards.
• Confident managing procurement and document control systems.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders (internal and external), including translating technical information to non-technical people.
• Comfortable working in a new and unchartered work environment including ambiguous/changing or transformational circumstances.
• Experience in a similar role for local government would be preferred
• Experience in waters, utilities or infrastructure would be highly regarded.
• Previous experience setting up a new digital function or working for a new organisation would be advantageous.

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Dependent on skills and experience.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 17/06/2025

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.