Hamilton City and Waikato District Councils have formed a publicly owned, Council-controlled Organisation (CCO) to deliver water services across Hamilton city and Waikato district. The company is called IAWAI - Flowing Waters and 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 

IAWAI is seeking a Hydraulic Modelling Strategy Manager to lead the stewardship of our 3 Waters models and ensure they are effectively used to guide infrastructure investment, policy development, land‑use planning, and development decisions. Reporting to the Head of Infrastructure and Strategy, you’ll oversee model maintenance programmes, including scoping, project management, procurement, contract oversight, network gauging, data collection, quality assurance, and the presentation and management of modelling outputs.

You’ll provide trusted leadership and expert technical advice on all 3 Waters modelling matters, supporting strategic infrastructure planners and guiding external consultants who work with IAWAI’s models. You’ll also collaborate with developers to define modelling needs, agree on scopes, and review outputs ensuring modelling work is robust, fit‑for‑purpose, and aligned with IAWAI’s strategic direction.

Working alongside a team of subject matter experts, you’ll help assess current and future network performance and shape optimised infrastructure programmes that deliver value for money and support the city’s long‑term growth. If you’re motivated by the opportunity to influence major investment decisions and strengthen the modelling foundations that underpin our city’s future, this role offers a meaningful and rewarding challenge.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience 

• Tertiary qualification in relevant Engineering or Earth Sciences.
• Minimum 10 years technical experience in the 3 Waters Infrastructure industry.
• Ability to effectively manage time, competing pressures and meet multiple deadlines.
• Familiarity with software used for viewing and analysing hydraulic model results developed in the Infoworks ICM platform.
• Makes effective decisions under pressure and thinks and manages clearly during times of rapid change.
• High level of expertise in coordination and integrating technical information into business and corporate systems to develop and support IAWAI strategies and plans
• Sound understanding of the principles of 3 waters network hydraulic modelling
• Understanding of strategic three waters infrastructure planning, policy preparation and public consultation
• Understanding of relevant infrastructure standards for urban 3 waters networks
• Skilled and experienced in model data management
• Highly developed analytical skills to identify and solve modelling issues
• Familiarity with GIS and asset management systems
• Interprets and recommends responses to legislation and policy guidance.
• Project and programme management experience
• Ability to plan, co-ordinate, develop and manage project budgets, scheduling, resources and risks to ensure efficient, timely and fit for purpose project delivery
• Good communication skills, including writing clear and concise reports, and making effective oral and visual presentations
• Demonstrated abilities in stakeholder management including working effectively with internal and external experts, community groups and customers
• Influencing skills, able to encourage others behaviour and outcomes to support organisations goals
• Comprehensive Modelling experience for water, wastewater and stormwater
• Comprehensive GIS mapping and analytics experience and capability
• Experience in New Zealand Local Government
• Experience in working appropriately and effectively with representatives of Māori organisations, iwi and hapū

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

Circa $135k 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: 1 July 2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

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 hereIt 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