Manager Operations and Assets

Manager Operations & Assets - Water Services

After a long and successful career helping deliver safe, reliable water services across Southland, our Manager Operations & Assets has decided 2027 is the year he'll swap treatment plants for grapevines and pursue his dream of making wine.

While we're excited for him, we're also looking for an exceptional leader to step into one of the most rewarding and challenging infrastructure roles in local government.

The good news? Our future winemaker is committed to supporting a successful transition, giving you the opportunity to learn from someone who knows Southland's water networks, communities and contractors better than almost anyone.

This Isn't a Role for the Faint-Hearted

From Fiordland to Stewart Island, you'll help lead water services across one of New Zealand's largest and most geographically diverse districts. You'll oversee drinking water, wastewater and stormwater operations, critical infrastructure, contractors and a capable team delivering essential services to more than 30 diverse communities.

But this role is about more than operations.

It's about helping shape practical, innovative and affordable solutions for communities that care deeply about their future, while balancing regulatory requirements, infrastructure investment, operational excellence and community expectations.

Why Now?

There has never been a more exciting time to be involved in water services.

Following extensive community consultation, Southland made a clear choice to continue delivering water services in-house. With strong local support and a significant programme of infrastructure investment ahead, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of water services across the district.

You're our kind of leader if:

• You're technically credible, but your real strength is people.
• You know the best infrastructure outcomes don't happen from behind a desk. They come from being out in the field, talking with contractors, listening to communities, understanding local challenges and building relationships that stand the test of time.
• You'll enjoy being visible and accessible, whether that's attending a community meeting, discussing a project with residents, supporting your team on site or working alongside contractors to solve problems.
• You genuinely enjoy connecting with people and earning their trust.
• You'll also bring the curiosity and courage to challenge the status quo, finding innovative and affordable ways to deliver essential services in an increasingly complex environment.

You'll Bring:

• Significant experience in the water sector.
• Proven leadership in a complex infrastructure, utilities or service delivery environment.
• Strong relationship-building skills with contractors, stakeholders and communities.
• A passion for innovative and affordable service delivery.
• Sound judgement, resilience and a practical approach to problem-solving.
• A genuine commitment to making a difference for communities.

Need a little more convincing….

This is a rare opportunity to combine technical leadership, community connection and genuine purpose all while living in an area known for its natural beauty, community spirit, and outdoor adventure.

You'll help shape water services for communities that value local decision-making, influence significant infrastructure investment, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

If you're the sort of leader who enjoys a site visit as much as a strategy session, knows relationships matter as much as regulations, and is excited by the challenge of delivering innovative and affordable water services, we'd love to hear from you.

After all, someone has to take over when water turns into wine. If that's you – apply now

Applications close Sunday 20 September 2026
We will review applications as they are received and may progress the recruitment process before the closing date.

For more information on working at Southland District Council, visit: https://vacancies.southlanddc.govt.nz