Head of Programme Management

• Shape and lead the Programme Management function supporting one of Wellington’s most significant infrastructure programmes.

• Lead, coach and grow a talented community of programme and project management professionals.

• Build the frameworks, capability and culture that will set the standard for successful capital delivery at Tiaki Wai.

This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week, based in our Petone office

The opportunity

As Head of Programme Management, you’ll lead the Programme and Project Management function, with responsibility for its people, capability, professional standards and overall performance.

You’ll lead the Project Management Centre of Excellence, shape delivery frameworks and methodologies, strengthen governance and assurance, and drive greater consistency and maturity across project delivery. You’ll also oversee workforce planning and strategic resourcing, ensuring capability aligns with the scale, complexity and future needs of the capital programme.

With significant organisational visibility and the opportunity to influence delivery at scale, this is a chance to build something lasting, developing the people, practices and culture that will support Tiaki Wai’s capital programme now and into the future.

You will:

• Lead the Programme and Project Management function, creating a high-performing, collaborative and accountable delivery culture.

• Drive consistent governance, assurance, risk, commercial and project management practices across the capital programme.

• Influence complex delivery outcomes, providing leadership and support on high-risk projects, commercial challenges and strategic resourcing

• Shape the Project Management Centre of Excellence, setting methodologies, standards, tools, controls and expectations for project delivery.

• Develop programme and project management capability through coaching, workforce planning, succession and professional development.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in project management, engineering, construction, business or a related discipline.

• A recognised project management certification such as PMP, PRINCE2, Agile or equivalent.

• Extensive experience leading infrastructure or capital programme and project delivery, including leadership of professional Project Managers.

• Demonstrated success establishing, improving or embedding project management frameworks, methodologies and consistent delivery practices.

• Strong experience operating within complex governance environments and across multi-stakeholder programmes or portfolios.

• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including procurement, contract management, budgeting, risk and commercial decision-making.

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

• Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually

• Formal and informal professional development opportunities

• 5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service

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 ofIntegrity, 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: 27th September 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:Kelly.Ashford@tiakiwai.co.nz

Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Tiaki Wai. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.