General Manager – Commercial

Sector: Water and Major Infrastructure
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Relocation: UK applications welcome, with financial support towards relocation costs
Client: Watercare

Capstone Recruitment UK is partnering with our New Zealand team to recruit a General Manager – Commercial for Watercare in Auckland.

This executive leadership opportunity offers responsibility for commercial strategy and performance across a multi-billion-dollar capital delivery portfolio. It would suit an experienced commercial leader from a major infrastructure environment who is considering relocating to New Zealand.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Programme Delivery Officer, you will act as Watercare’s principal commercial authority for major infrastructure investment.

As a senior member of the Programme Delivery leadership team, you will set commercial strategy, establish governance and provide assurance across multiple programmes. You will lead Commercial Managers embedded within programme teams and advise executive leadership and the Board on commercial performance, affordability and risk.

Watercare’s investment includes the Waitematā Water Quality Improvement Programme, comprising five major projects ranging from NZ$150m to NZ$1bn. This role has a broader remit across the capital delivery portfolio.

Key responsibilities

• Set and oversee commercial strategy across Watercare’s capital programmes.
• Establish commercial governance, delegated authorities and assurance frameworks.
• Lead procurement strategy, market engagement and strategic sourcing.
• Shape delivery and contracting models, including alliances, Design & Construct and early contractor involvement.
• Oversee commercial risk allocation, contingency strategy and portfolio exposure.
• Ensure robust cost forecasting, cost-to-complete reporting and commercial data.
• Act as the escalation point for major claims, disputes and high-value negotiations.
• Build effective relationships with contractors, consultants and the wider infrastructure supply market.
• Provide clear commercial advice to the Chief Programme Delivery Officer, executive leadership and Board.
• Lead and develop Commercial Managers and specialist teams, strengthening capability and succession planning.

About you

You will be an established commercial leader with extensive senior experience across major infrastructure portfolios, preferably gained within a Tier 1 contractor.

Your background will include:

• Substantial commercial leadership experience, typically 15 years or more.
• Experience operating at executive level within a large, complex organisation.
• Strong commercial and financial judgement, with the ability to set portfolio-wide strategy.
• Advanced procurement and strategic sourcing expertise.
• Leadership of commercial teams across complex projects or programmes.
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and governance forums.
• Sound judgement when managing high-value decisions and commercial risk.

Experience in water, wastewater or tunnelling would be particularly relevant. A relevant commercial qualification, knowledge of complex contract and delivery arrangements, and experience working with international contractors would also be advantageous.

Experience improving commercial operating models, systems, policies and reporting would be valuable. Candidates with a combination of contractor, consultancy and client-side experience are welcome.

Relocating to New Zealand

Watercare welcomes interest from UK-based commercial leaders, with financial support available towards relocation costs.

For a confidential discussion about the role and a potential move to Auckland, contact Phoebe Chippindall at Capstone Recruitment UK.