General Manager, Service Delivery

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Waitī Waters is a new, publicly owned water services organisation headquartered in Masterton. Established under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025, Waitī Waters is being established by four district councils, South Wairarapa, Tararua, Carterton and Masterton, and two iwi, Rangitāne and Ngāti Kahungunu, to serve current and future generations in the Wairarapa and Tararua region.

Our responsibilities are significant and ambitious, delivering drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services to approximately 25,000 connections and managing $707 million in assets and a $466 million capital works programme into 2034.

The General Manager, Service Delivery will lead the safe, reliable operation of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across the network, and build the operational engine of a new organisation as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. You will bring together transferring Council teams into one regional operation, lead transformation from four current service delivery models into one efficient and effective model that works for the whole service area, lead incident and emergency response, and set the service standards our communities will count on every day.

Importantly, you will also be drawn to these regions, with a strong sense of place and a desire to serve in the provision of our most vital infrastructure.

Ko wai koe | About you

We are seeking an operational leader who has run essential services at scale, and who brings the calm judgement and relational intelligence to keep communities safe while building a new team with integrity and mana.

Great candidates for this role will likely have:

• Senior leadership experience in water services, utilities or infrastructure operations, whether gained as a General Manager or as a leader in other relevant settings.
• Proven experience leading large operational teams and contractor-delivered services, with a record in operational performance and continuous improvement.
• Deep understanding of operational risk, incident and emergency response, and service continuity, ideally within a regulated environment.
• A commitment to being part of the founding executive leadership team shaping performance, teams, systems and culture for a new community-based organisation.
• A commitment to working in partnership with Councils and iwi to make Waitī Waters a success for the region.
• A values-driven style with a connection to, or a passion for, the Wairarapa and Tararua region.

To apply in strict confidence now, click ‘Apply for this job’ or email your cover letter and CV in a PDF format wherever possible to [email protected] quoting 9120NIsk. Applications close on 16 October 2026,9am. Emails will be electronically acknowledged and further correspondence may be by email.

To view the Candidate Briefing document, please click here.

For more information please phone Nick Buck on [+64 27 474 5366](tel:+64 27 474 5366).