Programme Director – Water Infrastructure

Programme Director – Water Infrastructure

Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Relocation: UK applications welcome, with financial support towards relocation costs
Client: Watercare

Capstone Recruitment UK is working with our New Zealand team to recruit a Programme Director for Watercare in Auckland.

This is an opportunity for an experienced infrastructure leader to oversee the design, procurement and delivery of a major water and wastewater programme, helping strengthen Auckland’s essential infrastructure.

Watercare welcomes applications from UK-based professionals considering a move to New Zealand, particularly those with strong Tier 1 main contractor experience.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Programme Delivery Officer, you will take responsibility for the full programme lifecycle, from establishing delivery strategies and appointing consultants through to construction, commissioning and handover.

The search supports the Waitematā Water Quality Improvement Programme, which comprises five major projects ranging from NZ$150m to NZ$1bn. The programme includes major tunnel interceptor projects across Auckland and a NZ$700m upgrade to an existing wastewater treatment plant.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams and delivery partners, ensuring the programme meets its agreed scope, budget, schedule, safety standards and intended outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Lead programme delivery from initial planning and design through procurement, construction and commissioning.
• Establish delivery strategies, contract packaging, programme budgets, schedules and governance arrangements.
• Appoint and manage engineering consultants, contractors and specialist advisers.
• Oversee programme controls, forecasting, risk management and change management.
• Lead commercial negotiations, contract administration and the resolution of claims and disputes.
• Champion safety leadership and ensure environmental, regulatory and consent requirements are met.
• Build effective relationships with internal teams, delivery partners, regulators, mana whenua and local communities.
• Provide clear reporting to senior leadership and governance forums.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing programme team.
• Oversee operational readiness, asset handover and programme close-out.

About you

You will bring extensive experience delivering large, complex infrastructure projects or programmes, ideally gained within a Tier 1 main contractor.

Your background will include:

• Leadership of multidisciplinary project or programme teams.
• A strong record of managing delivery against budget, schedule and safety requirements.
• Advanced commercial and contract management experience.
• Strategic risk management and the ability to resolve complex delivery challenges.
• Experience managing senior stakeholders within public, political or regulatory environments.
• The ability to translate strategy into practical delivery plans.

Water, wastewater or tunnelling experience would be particularly valuable. An engineering degree or equivalent, experience of collaborative delivery models and familiarity with digital delivery tools would also be advantageous.

Candidates with a combination of contractor, consultancy and client-side experience are encouraged to apply.

Relocating to New Zealand

Watercare is open to UK-based candidates relocating to Auckland, with financial support available towards relocation costs.

To find out more or discuss your suitability in confidence, contact Phoebe Chippindall at Capstone Recruitment UK.