Establishment General Manager – Three Waters

• Lead a nationally significant, high-profile transformation in local water services
• Blend your commercial acumen with public sector impact in a unique leadership role
• Fixed term role until July 2027 with potential for extension
• 5 weeks annual leave + KiwiSaver + car park + flexible working hours

About The Role:

Invercargill City Council is seeking a visionary and commercially astute leader to establish and transition its new in-house Water Services Entity. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of water service delivery in Invercargill, aligning with the Government’s “Local Water Done Well” initiative.

Reporting to the Group Manager – Infrastructure, you will lead the creation of a standalone, financially ringfenced business unit, overseeing its strategic direction, operational readiness, and long-term sustainability. The role spans both establishment and operational phases, with a contract through to July 2027 and potential for extension.

You’ll be responsible for building a high-performing team, developing governance and service frameworks, and ensuring compliance with emerging legislation and economic regulation. From July 2026, you’ll also oversee day-to-day operations, delivering high-quality water services to the community.

Skills & Experience: 

We’re looking for a dynamic leader with:

• 15+ years’ senior leadership experience in Water Services or a similarly complex infrastructure or utilities environment.
• Proven success in establishment or transition roles, ideally within commercial or network utilities.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing large-scale projects and capital works programmes.
• Commercial exposure running or contributing to a commercial activity, ideally in water, energy or civil infrastructure sectors.
• Exceptional people leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Outstanding communication skills, including confidence in public and Council forums.
• A commitment to safety, sustainability, and customer service excellence.

Benefits:

This is rare opportunity to lead a transformational project in local government and there are a number of standout benefits, including:

• The ability to influence the future of water services in Invercargill and contribute to national reform.
• A competitive remuneration package.
• A fixed-term contract to July 2027, with potential for a further 3-year extension.
• The opportunity to work alongside a passionate and supportive leadership team.
• To work as part of a values-driven organisation committed to excellence, responsibility, and community impact.

About the Organisation:

Invercargill City Council is a progressive local authority committed to delivering high-quality services to its community. With the decision to retain local control of water services, ICC is establishing a new Water Services Entity that will operate as a financially ringfenced business unit, delivering water services with a commercial lens while remaining accountable to the community.

This initiative reflects ICC’s proactive approach to reform and its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and service excellence.

Culture: 

At ICC, our values guide everything we do:

• Responsibility – We take ownership of decisions out outcomes.
• Above and Beyond – We take opportunities to go the extra mile.
• Respect – Everyone is important, as are their views.
• Positivity – We always look on the bright side of life.

You’ll join a collaborative and forward-thinking organisation where your leadership will make a lasting impact.

Candidates can apply, in strict confidence, online at www.sheffield.co.nz

To apply by email, please attach your cover letter and CV and send to cvchc@sheffield.co.nz quoting 9023SIlg.  Applications close on 24^th September 2025.  Emails will be electronically acknowledged, and further correspondence may be by email. 

Click here to view the Candidate Briefing document.

For more information please phone Louise Green on +64 3 353 4367 or Kate Kennedy on +64 3 353 4353.