General Manager

ABOUT CORNERSTONE INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERS (CIP)

Cornerstone Infrastructure Partners (CIP) is the consortium responsible for the design, build, finance and maintenance of the Waikeria Prison Development, one of New Zealand's most significant Public Private Partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects.

Backed by leading international infrastructure investors including Pacific Partnerships, Invesis and Capella Capital, CIP oversees a long-term concession that combines operational excellence, asset stewardship, stakeholder management and commercial performance across a critical government asset.
Following successful completion and commencement of operations in 2025, the project is now entering a new phase of long-term asset management and service delivery. At the same time, a major adjacent prison expansion is underway, creating a unique environment where large-scale operational infrastructure, asset management, facilities management and future integration projects intersect.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally significant infrastructure asset while working directly with institutional investors, government stakeholders, lenders, contractors and senior industry leaders.

THE OPPORTUNITY

CIP is seeking a General Manager / Contractor's Representative to take overall responsibility for the governance, commercial management, stakeholder engagement and operational oversight of the Waikeria Prison Development PPP.
Reporting directly to the Board, this role will act as CIP's senior representative and primary interface across the Department of Corrections, investors, lenders, facilities management providers, contractors and key project stakeholders.

This is a highly visible leadership position requiring strong commercial acumen, contract management expertise and the ability to navigate complex multi-party environments. You will oversee ongoing operational service delivery while also managing future changes, capital programmes, expansion interfaces and strategic initiatives that will shape the long-term success of the project.

The role offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced infrastructure, facilities management, asset management or PPP professional seeking board-level engagement and direct involvement in one of New Zealand's largest government infrastructure assets.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Governance & Stakeholder Leadership

• Act as CIP's primary representative and lead liaison with the Department of Corrections
• Manage relationships with investors, lenders, subcontractors, advisors, insurers and government stakeholders
• Lead executive-level communications and reporting to the CIP Board
• Facilitate governance forums, stakeholder meetings and project leadership groups
• Drive collaboration across all parties to ensure successful project outcomes
• Lead annual business planning and strategic initiatives

Commercial & Contract Management

• Oversee compliance across project agreements, service contracts and key stakeholder obligations
• Manage complex contractual, commercial and operational matters
• Lead change management processes associated with project expansions and future initiatives
• Oversee claims, risk management, dispute resolution and contractual performance
• Manage refinancing activities and engagement with lenders and financial advisors

Asset & Facilities Management Oversight

• Monitor facilities management and asset management performance across the project
• Ensure maintenance, lifecycle and operational plans are effectively implemented
• Oversee performance frameworks, reporting requirements and service delivery outcomes
• Manage risk registers, compliance obligations and governance controls
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the asset

Leadership & Business Management

• Lead CIP's day-to-day operations and management activities
• Oversee external advisors, consultants and service providers
• Ensure appropriate resourcing, governance and organisational capability
• Champion health, safety and operational excellence across the project
• Provide strategic leadership during future expansion and integration activities

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 15+ years' experience across infrastructure, facilities management, asset management, construction, commercial property or related sectors
• Proven experience operating within complex multi-stakeholder environments
• Strong governance capability with experience reporting to boards and senior executives
• Expertise in commercial, contract and risk management
• Demonstrated experience managing major service providers, contractors or facilities management operations
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Experience within PPP projects, major infrastructure assets or government contracts will be highly regarded
• Understanding of project finance, refinancing or infrastructure investment structures is advantageous
• Tertiary qualification in construction, engineering, property, law, commercial management or a related discipline

WHY JOIN CIP?

This is far more than a conventional general management role.

You will be responsible for the operational stewardship of one of New Zealand's most important public infrastructure assets while working directly with institutional investors, government agencies and industry-leading delivery partners.

The role offers a unique combination of governance, asset management, commercial leadership, facilities management oversight and strategic project involvement. With a major expansion project already underway, there is significant opportunity to influence long-term outcomes, lead complex stakeholder relationships and create lasting value for all parties involved.

For an experienced leader seeking a challenging and career-defining infrastructure position, this represents a rare opportunity to sit at the centre of a landmark New Zealand PPP project.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Matt Webster at Assemble Recruitment on [027 274 6829](tel:027 274 6829).