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 

Join IAWAI as our Water Services Programme Manager and take the lead in shaping a capital works programme that truly makes an impact. You’ll be responsible for planning, prioritising, and developing a cohesive pipeline of investment across drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater, ensuring our infrastructure programme is optimised, integrated, and ready for delivery.

In this role, you’ll bring together asset management insights and technical inputs to create a clear, deliverable programme of works that supports long‑term service outcomes. Your ability to translate complex information into a structured, prioritised investment pathway will be essential in driving confidence, clarity, and alignment across the organisation.

Acting as the vital link between infrastructure planning and delivery, you’ll ensure capital programmes are well‑sequenced, coordinated, and aligned with organisational priorities and funding constraints. If you thrive in a role where strategic thinking meets practical delivery, and you’re motivated by the opportunity to influence the future of water services, we’d love to hear from you.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience 

• Minimum 10–15 years’ experience in three waters strategy and planning at a senior level
• Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Planning, Science, Commerce, or related discipline.
• Programme and portfolio management expertise with strong capability in managing complex infrastructure programmes and interdependencies
• Infrastructure planning and investment acumen with understanding of asset management planning and capital investment drivers
• Ability to interpret technical and financial data to inform prioritisation
• Systems thinking and integration with the ability to connect multiple inputs into a coherent programme
• Problem solving and optimisation with the ability to identify constraints and improve programme performance
• Ability to translate complex programme information into clear insights
• Strong analytical ability and business acumen
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence and engage diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional programmes of work in complex environments
• Self-awareness that mindset is the foundation of performance and ability to develop self and others in this regard
• Proven track record of delivering outcomes aligned with organisational vision and values.

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

Circa $140k 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