Manager Regional Waters

Role overview

Napier City Council is seeking a capable leader to help steer the organisation through the Local Water Done Well reform. In this position, you will drive internal readiness, keep the Council aligned with changing legislative requirements, and support its contribution to regional water decision-making. The role calls for strategic guidance to senior leadership and elected representatives, as well as coordination of reform activity across teams so the Council’s assets, services, people, and systems are prepared for any transfer to a future water entity.

The position brings together strategy, governance, infrastructure, and people leadership. You will develop productive relationships across Council, with regional partners, and with central government bodies, making sure Napier’s perspective is represented clearly and confidently. Managing a small but influential function, you will encourage teamwork, support change, and help the organisation get ready not only for reform, but for the opportunities that follow.

Key duties

• Oversee Napier City Council’s internal preparations for Local Water Done Well, including alignment of governance, systems, workforce planning, and assets for transition.
• Deliver clear, high-quality strategic advice to executives and elected members on legal updates, policy effects, and the wider impact of reform.
• Coordinate and influence Council’s involvement in regional waters planning and implementation work, backing executive leadership at a regional level.
• Manage reporting, risk controls, and financial monitoring connected to the reform programme, ensuring strong accountability and governance.
• Develop trusted partnerships with mana whenua, regional councils, central government, and internal stakeholders to support joined-up and transparent delivery of the reform agenda.

What you will bring

You will be a politically aware and strategic leader who is comfortable working through complex and changing situations. Your background should include substantial experience in local government, water services, infrastructure, or major public sector change programmes. You will be confident interpreting detailed legislation and turning it into practical advice for governance and executive audiences.

Strong people leadership and programme coordination skills are important, along with the ability to lead cross-organisational initiatives. You will also need excellent stakeholder engagement capability, particularly where the environment is sensitive from a political or operational standpoint. A solid understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it relates to water reform, governance, and partnership is essential.

Working arrangement and pay

This is a permanent full-time role, based in Napier, with standard hours of 40 per week from Monday to Friday. The salary package is between $120,700 and $142,000 per year, inclusive of KiwiSaver, with the final offer based on your experience and capability.

Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and the vacancy may close once the right candidate is identified.

Important note

Napier City Council is progressing toward a shared regional water entity under the Local Water Done Well reform. As a result, future changes may affect how water services are governed and delivered, including possible changes to structure, reporting relationships, and regional collaboration. Applicants should be comfortable in a changing environment and open to evolving responsibilities within a broader regional water management model.

About Napier City Council

Napier City Council is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and aims to provide a fair, accessible recruitment process. Support or adjustments can be requested during the application or interview process.

The organisation’s partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi are an important part of its work, supported by the Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which strengthens cultural capability through education and training.

Before employment begins, candidates must complete pre-employment checks, including criminal background screening. Some roles may also require health screening and drug and alcohol testing. Employees may also be asked to assist with Civil Defence responses when the community needs support.

Benefits

• Five weeks of annual leave after two years of service.
• Discounted health insurance and an eye test subsidy.
• Retail discounts and study support.
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP).
• Quarterly recognition awards, birthday vouchers, and a social club.
• Annual free flu vaccinations.
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga and NCC Kapa Haka.
• Te Reo Māori language classes.