Senior Project Manager
Lead an exciting smart metering pilot, work with passionate experts, and make a lasting impact for our communities. Ready to make every drop count? Apply now!
Petone office, with hybrid working options.
12-month fixed-term role focused on planning and delivering a smart metering pilot.
Work alongside passionate and experienced water and programme specialists.
This is a 12-month fixed term position with a competitive remuneration. Appointment salary will be dependent on previous programme and project delivery experience.
The opportunity
Tiaki Wai is progressing a significant smart metering programme, moving to a Pilot to inform the detailed business case. With approximately 150,000 residential water meters planned for the full roll out, this initiative will support sustainable drinking water and better long-term outcomes for our customers and communities.
Reporting to the Programme Director, Water Metering, this 12-month role will focus on managing the planning, coordination, and delivery of the water metering pilot. You will bring together internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure the pilot is well planned, risks and dependencies are managed, and outcomes inform the next stages of the wider programme.
You will also work across the business to identify opportunities for improvement, manage project budgets and reporting, and ensure the pilot supports Tiaki Wai’s future-focused approach to water asset management and customer service.
About you
Proven experience managing complex projects from planning through to delivery.
Ability to navigate and lead through policy, access and engineering (mechanical and civil) challenges.
Strong knowledge of project methodologies, with the ability to analyse and apply appropriate approaches to support successful delivery.
Experience in contract management, including supplier relationships, performance monitoring, and contractual obligations.
Strong project planning, risk, budget, and reporting skills.
Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing project dependencies.
Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, including working with technical experts, councils, communities, and iwi.
A collaborative, outcomes-focused approach with a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
If you are a significantly experienced project leader who can bring people together and successfully deliver this critical pilot, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits
At Tiaki Wai, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.
Our benefits include:
Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home each week
Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
Formal and informal professional development opportunities
For a full list of our employee benefits click here.
About us
Tiaki Wai is a council-owned organisation responsible for managing the delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Wellington.
We manage public-owned extensive water infrastructure and oversee the delivery of safe and reliable services for our communities. We focus on long-term investment, asset management, maintenance, and delivering major infrastructure projects that support public health, environmental protection, and regional growth.
Water is a precious taonga. At Tiaki Wai, we put care into every drop and are guided by our values of Integrity, Care, and Leadership. We work directly with water consumers and in partnership with councils and mana whenua to deliver better water outcomes for current and future generations.
Applications close: 4th November 2026
How to apply
To view a copy of the position description: click here.
To apply for the role, click on the ‘apply’ button or visit the Tiaki Wai Careers site, if you are a Tiaki Wai employee please apply using your work email.
For further information, email: JoinUs@tiakiwai.co.nz
Applicants will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Tiaki Wai. You must also be legally entitled to work in New Zealand to be considered.
- Department
- Strategy and Planning
- Location
- Petone Office
Petone Office
Staff benefits
1. Inclusive Culture: It is important to us that people love our culture. We embrace a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is at our core. Our team is united by passion, dedication, and a shared care for water and our community.
2. Safety and Support: We provide an Employee Assistance Scheme for crucial personal support, along with wellbeing and lifestyle education delivered through our Wellbe Team, ensuring you feel supported in and out of the workplace.
3. Health is Wealth: We prioritise your health with an annual voluntary health "warrant of fitness," immunisations, and flu vaccinations. Moreover, enjoy annual subsidised vision testing and contributions toward glasses to ensure clear vision.
4. Work-Life Balance: Where possible there is access to flexible work practices. And take advantage of our annual leave, reaching five weeks after three years of service, and 10 days sick leave from starting with us. In addition, take one paid day a year for your personal Wellbeing. We also offer parental leave and partner entitlements to support you during significant life moments.
5. Comprehensive Benefits: We have partnered with providers for discounted Southern Cross medical insurance, periodic vision and hearing tests, and eyewear subsidies. You can also access discounts at a range of retailers via Boost. Gain access to top-notch gear, machinery, PPE, and tools, fostering a safe work environment if you are “on the tools”. We also offer a staff referral bonus paid when a person is recruited for a senior front line position, and we may offer relocation support if you need to move into the district to work here.
6. Professional Growth: Grow your skills with a range of development opportunities. Boosting your personal and work career.
7. Community Connection: You can take one paid day a year to participate in voluntary work on a water-related activity. And maybe join our active Waiata group and be part of a community that works together, sings, and thrives together.
