As Portfolio Lead in our Water Services Directorate, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering Napier City Council’s capital works programme, overseeing a portfolio of water, wastewater, and stormwater projects valued between $30–100 million annually. You’ll be responsible for end-to-end project and programme delivery, working closely with internal technical teams, contractors, and consultants to define project scope, evaluate delivery options, and ensure projects meet quality, safety, and performance standards.

This is a role for a highly organised and proactive professional who thrives on managing complex infrastructure projects in a fast-paced environment. You’ll influence investment decisions, drive strategic outcomes, and coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders, including community groups, iwi, and regulatory authorities, to ensure projects deliver tangible benefits to the city and its residents.

If you’re a collaborative, solutions-focused leader with experience managing high-value capital programmes, this is an opportunity to make a real impact on Napier’s critical water infrastructure while shaping the future of the city’s water networks.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Oversee a defined portfolio of capital projects across water, wastewater, and stormwater networks, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to agreed quality standards.
• Shape project scope, evaluate delivery options, and coordinate execution across internal teams, consultants, and contractors.
• Lead early-stage project planning and contribute to investment decision-making, ensuring alignment with Council’s strategic priorities.
• Engage with stakeholders, including communities, iwi, and regulatory bodies, promoting positive outcomes and effective communication.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• Tertiary qualification in engineering, project management, or a related discipline, with 7+ years’ experience in capital programme or portfolio delivery, ideally in local government or infrastructure.
• Proven experience managing complex projects using external delivery models, with strong understanding of tendering, contracts, and consultant/contractor engagement.
• Skilled in programme tracking, financial reporting, and project management systems.
• Strong organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to deliver results in a high-value, fast-paced capital delivery 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 position working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You will be based in Napier.

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

Applications for this role close on 19 December 2025. We will endeavour to interview promising candidates as we receive your applications (and may close the role when we have found the right person), however given our summer closedown period, please be patient with us if you do not hear back until the new year. 

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 criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening & drug testing). 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