Play a pivotal leadership role in preparing Napier City Council for Local Water Done Well reform. You will lead organisational readiness, ensure compliance with evolving legislation, and shape Council’s input into regional decision-making processes. You’ll provide strategic advice to senior leaders and elected members, coordinate reform-related activity across the organisation, and ensure our water assets, services, people, and systems are well understood and appropriately aligned for any future transfer to a new waters entity.

This role sits at the intersection of strategy, governance, infrastructure, and people. You will build trusted relationships across Council, with regional partners and central government agencies, ensuring Napier’s voice is strong and well-informed. Leading a small but high-impact function, you’ll foster collaboration, empower your team, and guide the organisation through change — ensuring we are not only prepared for reform, but well-positioned for success beyond it.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Lead Napier City Council’s internal preparation for Local Water Done Well, aligning systems, governance, workforce planning, and assets for transition.

• Provide high-quality strategic advice to senior leaders and elected members on legislative developments, policy implications, and reform impacts.

• Shape and coordinate Council’s contribution to regional waters planning and implementation activity, supporting executive leadership at a regional level.

• Oversee reform-related reporting, risk management, and financial tracking, ensuring robust governance and accountability.

• Build strong, trusted relationships with mana whenua, regional councils, central government, and internal stakeholders to ensure coordinated and transparent reform delivery.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• A strategic and politically astute leader who can navigate complexity with confidence

• Extensive experience in local government, infrastructure, water services, or large-scale public sector reform.

• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex legislation and translate it into clear, practical advice for governance and executive audiences.

• Strong leadership and programme coordination capability, with experience guiding cross-organisational initiatives.

• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, particularly within politically or operationally sensitive environments.

• A sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance to water reform, governance, and partnership approaches.

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 role working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You’ll be based in Napier.

The annual salary package for this role is between $120,700-$142,000 (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 – Manager Regional Waters