Strategic Programme Planning Manager

About Watercare

Watercare is committed to the health of water as it sustains the land and people of Auckland. Currently undertaking a $15.2 billion, 10-year capital investment programme—the largest in their history—the company drives transformative infrastructure, sustainability, and digital initiatives that will impact Auckland's future. With a daily investment exceeding $4 million, this is a unique opportunity to engage in work that delivers lasting community and environmental benefits.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Strategic Programme Planning Manager to lead the planning and development of substantial infrastructure programmes that are crucial to Auckland's development. This senior role requires a programme leader who excels at managing complexity independently while effectively interacting with senior executives and governance stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead feasibility studies, planning, and programme development phases for large infrastructure projects valued in the hundreds of millions to billions of dollars.
• Implement structured, disciplined approaches to manage complex programmes, ensuring clear understanding and proactive handling of delivery targets, milestones, risks, and interdependencies.
• Provide reliable governance, reporting, and planning to senior leadership and the Board to instill confidence in programme delivery.
• Operate effectively amid ambiguity, driving progress and outcomes with minimal direction from senior management.
• Steer strategic options development and evaluation to guide investment decisions and long-term infrastructure strategies.
• Ensure programmes are well-defined, prioritized, and primed for successful execution in subsequent project stages.
• Prepare comprehensive, high-quality reports, business cases, board presentations, and communications tailored to varied audiences.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders including executives, delivery teams, consultants, regulators, iwi, and community groups.
• Facilitate constructive dialogues and manage difficult discussions proactively to resolve issues while preserving strong professional relationships.
• Align multiple workstreams to support Watercare’s statutory duties, strategic aims, and community promises.

Candidate Profile

• Proven track record of leadership in delivering complex, large-scale infrastructure programmes with solid structuring, management, and momentum generation.
• Adept at navigating uncertain situations, solving challenging problems, and delivering results with limited direction, while aligning with strategic goals.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of producing clear, concise reports, business cases, board materials, and stakeholder communications for diverse audiences.
• Comprehensive understanding of project and programme lifecycles, including option development, investment planning, business case preparation, programme scoping, and delivery readiness.
• Strong influencing ability across complex stakeholder groups, including conducting respectful, constructive conversations that foster trust and positive results.
• Extensive experience managing programmes or major projects exceeding $100 million, ideally within sectors such as infrastructure, utilities, transport, water, or energy.
• Experience liaising with executive leadership and governance boards, supported by commercial and political insight.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in engineering, project management, planning, infrastructure, or related fields.
• Background or experience in water, wastewater, utilities, or related infrastructure industries is highly valued.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Life and income protection insurance benefits.
• Generous parental leave provisions.
• Access to employee discounts across various major retailers.