Programme Director
Lower South Island
- A rare opportunity to lead a multi-year transformation in local water services
- Lead the creation of Southern Waters, a new joint water services entity
- Fixed term role until July 2027 with potential for extension
- Attractive remuneration package
- Role location is Lower South island (Central Otago, Otago or Southland)
About The Role:
Southern Waters is a new joint water services entity being established by Central Otago, Clutha, and Gore District Councils. This is a rare opportunity to lead a multi-year transformation that will bring together people, systems, technology and services into a single, future-ready organisation.
Reporting to the Project Steering Group, you will lead the creation of a multi-council water services organisation, overseeing its strategic direction, operational readiness, and long-term sustainability. We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced Programme Director to lead the delivery of this complex, high-impact change programme.
What you’ll be doing
- Leading the implementation of the Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP)
- Overseeing the transition from council-run services to a new legal entity
- Building strong relationships with the board, CE’s, councils, iwi, and central government
- Delivering a portfolio of interdependent projects on time and within budget
- Establishing governance, legal, and operational frameworks to ensure go-live by 1 July 2027
What you’ll bring
Candidates of interest will already have proven experience successfully leading complex programmes or portfolios—ideally in infrastructure, utilities, or public sector transformation, along with a strong track record engaging key stakeholders and steering groups. You will have:
- An excellent track record of delivery
- Strong strategic and commercial acumen, with experience in start-ups, acquisitions, or the like
- Exceptional relationship and negotiation skills
- Experience building high performing teams while leading change
- Technical programme management capability—able to integrate multiple workstreams
- Understanding of regulatory environments and reform (water sector experience not essential)
This is a legacy role. You’ll be instrumental in building a new organisation that will serve communities for generations. You’ll work with committed partners, have a clear mandate, and the opportunity to lead from the front.