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 

Lead a service that makes a real difference across the Waikato.

As the Sampling & Analysis Team Leader, you’ll deliver high-quality sampling and laboratory services to councils throughout the region. Based within our IANZ-accredited laboratory, you’ll lead a dedicated team responsible for ensuring councils receive reliable, timely water testing services that support safe and sustainable communities.

In this role, you’ll build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, oversee day-to-day operational performance, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure service level agreements are consistently achieved. You’ll also play a vital role in maintaining compliance with ISO 17025, Taumata Arowai drinking water requirements, and IANZ accreditation standards, while identifying opportunities to improve processes and mitigate risk.

Reporting to the Shared Services Manager, you’ll be responsible for the overall performance of the unit, including budget management, revenue and expenditure oversight, and leadership of a skilled technical team. If you’re a collaborative leader with experience in laboratory, water quality, environmental, or scientific services and are passionate about delivering exceptional outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience 

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a laboratory.
• Minimum of 3 years’ leadership experience.
• Worked in an ISO 17025/IANZ accredited laboratory as Key Technical Personnel (signatory).
• Experience working in local government (preferred but not essential).
• Proven leadership skills with demonstrated ability to articulate the corporate vision and take people on a change journey.
• Self-awareness that mindset is the foundation of performance and an ability to develop self and others in this regard.
• Analytical ability and business acumen.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effective with a diverse range of stakeholders (internal and external).
• Demonstrated success in leading significant projects and programmes of work.

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

Circa $110k 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: 20 August 2026

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 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