This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the performance, reliability and future planning of our wastewater and stormwater pump operations. It’s about setting clear direction, creating structure, and ensuring the systems our community relies on are consistently safe, compliant and performing at their best.

At its core, this role is about people. You’ll bring strong, grounded leadership someone who knows how to set expectations, have clear conversations, and support a team to perform with confidence. Alongside this, you’ll drive a shift from reactive response to proactive, well-planned operations, using insight and experience to guide smarter decisions for both day-to-day delivery and long-term asset performance.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Provide clear, consistent leadership that builds accountability and trust within the team

• Lead day-to-day operations of pump stations and associated networks

• Drive a proactive, planned approach to maintenance and performance

• Strengthen systems, procedures and ways of working to reduce risk and improve reliability

• Support and develop team capability through coaching, guidance and clear expectations

• Work collaboratively across teams and stakeholders to deliver strong service outcomes

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• A confident and grounded leader who communicates clearly and leads with intent

• Understands people — how to support, challenge and bring out the best in a team

• Brings strong operational experience in Three Waters or similar environments

• Comfortable making decisions, setting direction and following through

• Uses data and insight to guide improvements and long-term thinking

• Holds relevant qualifications and practical experience in wastewater or water operations

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 program + 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 $105,714-$124,300 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

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 and drug & alcohol 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 – Team Leader Pump Operations