Programme Director

• A rare opportunity to lead a multi-year transformation in local water services
• Lead the creation of Southern Waters, a new joint water services entity
• Fixed term role until July 2027 with potential for extension
• Attractive remuneration package
• Lower South Island location (Central Otago, Southland, Otago)

About The Role: 

Southern Waters is a new joint water services entity being established by Central Otago, Clutha, and Gore District Councils. This is a rare opportunity to lead a multi-year transformation that will bring together people, systems, technology and services into a single, future-ready organisation.

Reporting to the Project Steering Group, you will lead the creation of a multi-council water services organisation, overseeing its strategic direction, operational readiness, and long-term sustainability. We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced Programme Director to lead the delivery of this complex, high-impact change programme.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the implementation of the Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP)
• Overseeing the transition from council-run services to a new legal entity
• Building strong relationships with the board, CE’s, councils, iwi, and central government
• Delivering a portfolio of interdependent projects on time and within budget
• Establishing governance, legal, and operational frameworks to ensure go-live by 1 July 2027

What you’ll bring

Candidates of interest will already have proven experience successfully leading complex programmes or portfolios—ideally in infrastructure, utilities, or public sector transformation, along with a strong track record engaging key stakeholders and steering groups. You will have:

• An excellent track record of delivery
• Strong strategic and commercial acumen, with experience in start-ups, acquisitions, or the like
• Exceptional relationship and negotiation skills
• Experience building high performing teams while leading change
• Technical programme management capability—able to integrate multiple workstreams
• Understanding of regulatory environments and reform (water sector experience not essential)

This is a legacy role. You’ll be instrumental in building a new organisation that will serve communities for generations. You’ll work with committed partners, have a clear mandate, and the opportunity to lead from the front.

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 9074lg.  Applications close on 2nd November 2025.  Emails will be electronically acknowledged, and further correspondence may be by email. 

Click here to view the Candidate Briefing document including a full Position Description.

For more information please phone Louise Green on +64 3 353 4367.