Senior Programme Manager

Why join us?

• Play a leading role in closing out the establishment phase of Central Districts Water and embedding activities into business -as-usual operations.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive, Establishment Director, Board and senior leaders in a highly influential role.
• Lead one of the region's most significant transformation programmes, delivering long-term benefits for communities across three council areas.
• Be part of building an organisation that will provide safe, reliable and sustainable water services for generations to come.

About us

Central Districts Water is a jointly owned water services organisation established by Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council and Rangitīkei District Council. The organisation will become operational on 1 July 2027 and will deliver safe, reliable and high-quality drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services to the communities it serves.

Our current focus is on completing the establishment phase of the organisation and embedding its new operating model, including the transition of services, systems, assets and people into business-as-usual operations.

This is a unique opportunity to join at a formative stage and help coordinate the final establishment activities and transition Central Districts Water into sustainable business-as-usual operations.

About the role

This is a two-year fixed-term contract, providing a unique opportunity to play a key role in completing the establishment of Central Districts Water and supporting its transition into business-as-usual operations.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Senior Programme Manager will lead the planning, coordination and oversight of the establishment programme, ensuring all workstreams remain aligned, risks are managed, and delivery stays on track.

You will provide a clear line of sight across the programme, connecting workstreams, maintaining governance and reporting frameworks, and supporting informed decision-making by the Chief Executive, Establishment Director and Board.

What you'll do

• Develop, maintain and oversee the overall programme plan, including milestones, budgets, resources, risks and dependencies.
• Coordinate delivery across multiple workstreams and ensure activities remain aligned to programme objectives.
• Monitor progress identify issues early and support timely resolution of risks and barriers.
• Lead programme governance, reporting, change control and decision-making processes.
• Coordinate organisational readiness and transition planning to embed the new operating model and support a smooth move into business-as-usual operations.
• Provide high-quality reporting and advice to the Chief Executive, Establishment Director, Board and governance groups.
• Build strong working relationships with leaders, workstream owners, councils, mana whenua, regulators, suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Foster a collaborative, delivery-focused culture across the programme.

About you

You are an experienced programme leader who excels at bringing together complex pieces of work, creating clarity, and delivering results in dynamic environments.

What you will bring

• Significant experience leading large, complex programmes involving multiple workstreams.
• Demonstrated success delivering major organisational change, transformation or establishment programmes.
• Strong programme and project management expertise, including planning, governance, budgeting, reporting, risk management and change control.
• Experience coordinating transitions from programme delivery into operational business activities.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, facilitation, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Experience providing advice and reporting to Chief Executives, Boards and senior leaders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to lead across teams and create accountability without relying solely on formal authority.

Desirable

• A recognised programme or project management qualification such as MSP, PRINCE2, PMP, or equivalent.
• Experience in infrastructure, utilities, water services, local government or other regulated sectors.
• Experience establishing a new organisation, operating model, shared service or major service transition.
• Understanding of New Zealand's public sector environment and experience working with mana whenua and iwi/hapū partners.

Applications close: 11.00 pm, Monday 14 September 2026.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.