Manager Three Waters Operations

• Lead today. Shape tomorrow.
• Be part of an organisation committed to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Work with skilled professionals who are passionate about what they do.

Ko wai mātau | About us

The people at Whakatāne District Council love what we do because we do it for others, and that feels good. We work hard and we know it's important to stop and play too. We're on a learning journey because we know we can always do better, and we know we're better together. Will you come on that journey with us? In return, you'll get access to a range of staff benefits including flexible working arrangements, an extra week's annual leave and free or discounted access to our community facilities. You'll never be more than half an hour away from rivers, lakes, forests, beaches and great walks - most are just on your doorstep. We love this place, and you will too.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

As our Manager Three Waters Operations, you'll lead the delivery of safe, reliable, and high-quality drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services for our district. You'll oversee network and treatment operations, ensuring compliance, resilience, and performance — while building the capability and confidence of your team to navigate change.

You'll work closely with our people, partners, and regulators to keep things running smoothly today, while helping shape how we'll operate tomorrow.

Ko wai koe | About you

You're an experienced operations manager with deep technical knowledge of water infrastructure and a proven track record leading high-performing teams. You're steady under pressure, strategic in your thinking, and thrive in complex, changing environments.

You'll bring

• Senior leadership experience in Three Waters or a similar operational setting.
• Strong people leadership, coaching, and relationship management skills.
• Proven ability to balance day-to-day delivery with long-term improvement.
• A collaborative, forward-thinking approach aligned to regulatory and environmental best practice.
• Sound understanding of legislation, regulatory frameworks, and compliance standards.
• Strong financial, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• A proactive, solution-focused mindset and commitment to continuous improvement.

Ngāwhaipainga | Our values

• We're always learning and improving - Toitū te Taumata
• We're passionate and proud - Toitū te Mauri Ora
• We work as one team - Toitū te Mahi Tahi
• We put people at the heart of everything we do - Toitū te Tangata
• We care about our environment - Toitū te Taiao

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

If you're ready to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact on how we deliver essential water services, we'd love to hear from you.

We're keen to keep things flowing so send us your CV and Cover Letter via our Careers site. We are reviewing applications as they come in and will hire as soon as we find the right candidate — so don't delay in submitting yours.

For any further information, please phone 07 306 0500 to speak with Nic Johansson, Transition Director.

To apply for this job go to:  https://whakatanecareers.co.nz/Vacancies & enter ref code: 6831581. 

Applications close 10 December 2025