Following a recent organisational restructure, Napier City Council is excited to introduce this newly created Portfolio Lead role within our Water Services team. This is a unique opportunity to oversee a high-value portfolio of water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects, contributing directly to the delivery of essential services that keep our city thriving.

As one of three Portfolio Leads, you’ll contribute to the delivery of programmes and projects within our annual capital works programme, which is valued between $30–100 million. You will be responsible for managing and coordinating the delivery of projects from early planning through to successful delivery. You’ll work closely with internal technical teams, external consultants, and contractors to define project scope, evaluate delivery options, and ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards. Your work will directly influence Napier’s long-term infrastructure strategy, supporting sustainable growth, community well-being, and strategic outcomes across the city.

This role offers the chance to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including mana whenua, iwi, regional authorities, and contractors, while navigating complex projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. If you’re an experienced infrastructure professional with strong leadership, programme management, and stakeholder engagement skills, this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact on Napier’s water services and future-ready infrastructure.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Lead the delivery of Napier’s water, wastewater, and stormwater capital projects, managing budgets, timelines, and performance reporting.
• Shape early-stage project planning, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and investment readiness.
• Procure and manage consultants and contractors, ensuring quality delivery and effective contract administration.
• Coordinate stakeholder and community engagement, including iwi, mana whenua, and external partners.
• Monitor compliance with policies, regulations, and contractual obligations, and report on project progress, risks, and outcomes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in programme delivery, systems, and reporting processes.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• Tertiary qualification in engineering, project management, or related discipline.
• Extensive experience delivering complex capital projects or programmes.
• Strong knowledge of contract management, tendering, and external delivery models.
• Excellent organisational, analytical, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Results-driven, collaborative, and able to deliver in a fast-paced environment.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years service
• Discounted Health Insurance Work Scheme + Eye Test Subsidy
• Retailer Discounts + Study assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club
• Free flu vaccinations (annual)
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent, full time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You will be based in Napier.

The annual salary package for this role is $112,900-$132,800 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

Applications for this role close on 17 October 2025 however due to the highly competitive employment market we will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person. Please do not delay in making your application. 

Kia mōhio mai - Please note

Napier City Council is moving toward a joint regional water entity under the Local Water Done Well reform. This means future changes to how water services are governed and delivered are likely, including potential shifts in organisational structure, reporting lines, and regional collaboration. Applicants should be comfortable working in a dynamic environment and open to evolving responsibilities as part of a larger, regional approach to water management.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including drug testing, with some roles requiring health screening). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Portfolio Lead