Principal Advisor - Transition

The Opportunity

This fixed-term leadership role plays an important part in supporting the transition of water services delivery for the Wellington region. Based in Petone, the position is suited to someone who can help steer critical change work and stabilise establishment activities as Tiaki Wai prepares to take on future responsibilities.

Role Summary

Reporting to the Head of Transformation, the Principal Advisor - Transition will lead, coordinate and support essential transition work so that the new operating environment is set up effectively. The role is focused on embedding change, improving ways of working, and helping Wellington Water contribute successfully to the establishment of Tiaki Wai.

Key Contributions

• Provide leadership and direction across transition-related workstreams.
• Guide improvement initiatives that position Wellington Water for a successful transition into Tiaki Wai.
• Set up the forward improvement and change programme and help embed new working practices.
• Support delivery of the intent behind Water Reform.
• Coordinate collaborative work across multiple parties and stakeholders.
• Assist with reporting to executive leadership and the Board.
• Promote the objectives of the transition programme and drive continuous improvement.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will bring experience from comparable positions involving complex transformation, change, or policy programmes. You will also need strong leadership ability, strategic judgement, and a track record of building relationships, engaging stakeholders and influencing senior audiences.

You should be self-driven, proactive and capable of solving problems independently. Clear written and verbal communication is essential, including the ability to prepare strong-quality reports. An appreciation of the political environment in which Wellington Water operates will also be important.

Pay and Employment Details

The midpoint remuneration for this position is $137,763, including KiwiSaver, with final pay depending on your skills and experience. This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment for 12 months.

Benefits

Wellington Water offers a workplace that supports community outcomes, wellbeing, diversity and professional growth.

• Flexible working options, including up to 2 days working from home.
• A comprehensive wellbeing programme, including 1 paid wellbeing day each year.
• Access to both formal and informal professional development opportunities.
• After 2 years of continuous service, eligibility for 5 weeks of annual leave.

About Wellington Water

Wellington Water is the professional water services provider for Greater Wellington and South Wairarapa. Its responsibilities include supplying safe drinking water, collecting and treating wastewater, and managing stormwater networks. As a multi-council-owned entity, it manages water infrastructure and service delivery for local communities.

From 1 July 2026, Tiaki Wai will begin a new phase of water services delivery for around 433,000 residents across the Wellington metro area. Tiaki Wai will own the water assets it operates, giving it more independence to manage and improve services for current and future communities. Wellington Water employees will move into this new council-owned entity as part of the transition.

The organisation places strong value on water as a precious taonga, and its culture is guided by the values of Tangata Tiaki, Whānau and Mana.

Additional Information

Applications close on Thursday 25 June 2026.

Applicants for safety-sensitive roles must complete drug and alcohol testing before starting work. Candidates must be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or able to obtain a working visa.

This role is based at the Petone office, close to the beach and shops.