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 looking for a Portfolio Manager who can turn big ideas into real results. Reporting to the Head of Capital Planning & Delivery, you’ll guide the strategic direction of our work programme and help bring long‑term planning goals to life.

You’ll lead a talented team of project and programme specialists, making sure our delivery is well‑governed, well‑assured, and aligned with best practice. Your leadership will keep our programmes moving smoothly, with clear priorities, strong collaboration, and a focus on getting great outcomes for our communities.

If you enjoy shaping direction, supporting people to do their best work, and delivering programmes that make a genuine impact, this role offers the chance to lead meaningful change across IAWAI’s capital delivery space.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in management or engineering. 
• 15+ years’ project/programme/portfolio management experience. 
•  5+ years’ leadership experience. 
• PM qualifications (Prince2, PMBOK, MSP, MoP). 
• Strategic capability, political acumen, commercial knowledge. 
• Strong influencing and relationship skills. 
• Ability to deliver in complex, fast-paced environment. 
• Experience building high-performing teams. 
• Strong budget and resource management. 

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

Circa $150k - $165k 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: 2nd August 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