Project Director at Wellington Water, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Drive the delivery of all phases of major critical three water infrastructure projects
• Lead region‑shaping, critical three water infrastructure projects
• Own the delivery strategy of performance of major programmes
• Lead portfolio of complex, high‑value, strategically vital work

This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week

The remuneration range for this role is $126,322 to $178,337 (including KiwiSaver), depending on skills and experience.

The opportunity

As Project Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping large programmes within a Capital Programme that is growing significantly. You will provide leadership to project managers, consultants and professional support individuals across structure, and direction, as we deliver a pipeline of critical infrastructure to meet the regions three waters requirements and provide improved services within the community.

You will apply best-practice processes to the management, planning, design, and implementation of water projects.  You will have the autonomy to use your experience to influence and shape investment decisions, deliver strategies, and project governance.

By focusing on developing a positive, high-performance team culture, you will work collaboratively within Wellington Water and with our supply chains to achieve strategic outcomes. By partnering with internal stakeholders, you will deliver successful project outcomes by steering investment casing and maintaining accountability across the full delivery lifecycle.

About you

The ideal candidate will bring proven experience leading major, complex projects in the construction or infrastructure environment, with a track record spanning the full delivery lifecycle - from early planning, business casing, consenting, and design, through procurement, delivery, commissioning, and handover.

Additionally, you will:

• Take responsibility for the direction, management and financial outcome of the critical projects and programmes
• Lead the development and delivery within scope, time, and budget parameters
• Champion safety in all aspects of design and build
• Lead communication and engagement with stakeholders, customers, and the community
• Provide leadership and guidance on contracts and procurement, achieving demonstrable value across the supply chain
• Oversee quality management programmes to achieve contract compliance and a quality project
• Evaluate the performance of consultant contractors, and wider supply chain
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts in Project and Programme Management by identifying process gaps
• You will hold a relevant tertiary qualification, and a qualification in project management will be an advantage
• Just as important, you understand how to bring diverse groups together to deliver high-quality outcomes. You're a confident communicator, an influential leader, and someone who can build strong relationships across consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders to keep large programmes moving in the right direction

Benefits

At Wellington Water, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and well-being.

Our benefits include the following:

• Flexible working arrangements, including up to two days working from home
• Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
• Formal and informal professional development opportunities
• Five weeks of annual leave accrual will be available following two years of continual service

For a full list of our employee benefits: click here

About us

Wellington Water is the professional water services provider across Greater Wellington and South Wairarapa. Our job is to provide safe and healthy drinking water, collect and treat wastewater, and ensure the stormwater network is well managed. We're a multi-council-owned entity, tasked to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities.

The value of water (a precious taonga) sits at our organisational heart. Our people are passionate about providing waters services for our communities and environment which is reflective in our values; Tangata Tiaki, Whānau and Mana.

Applications close: Friday, 20 February 2026

How to apply

To view a copy of the position description: click here

To apply for the role, click on the 'apply' button or visit the Wellington Water Careers site, please note if you are a Wellington Water employee please apply using your work email.

For further information, email: JoinUs@wellingtonwater.co.nz

Applicants will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Wellington Water. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand.