About the opportunity
Southern Waters is undertaking a major transformation to create a future-ready, jointly owned water services organisation. With Southern Waters currently in the establishment and transition phase, the Programme Manager plays a critical role in steering this transition — driving integrated planning, aligning multiple workstreams, and ensuring delivery confidence across a complex, multi-council environment. This role tackles the challenge of bringing together systems, people, governance, and assets while shaping opportunities to lift service quality, resilience, and long-term affordability for communities. It is a high-visibility leadership role with strong executive and governance engagement. This is a fixed-term opportunity through to September 2027, with flexibility to be based across Central Otago, Clutha, or Gore.
About the role
As Programme Manager, you will lead and coordinate a complex, multi-workstream programme supporting the establishment and transition of Southern Waters.
You will:
- Lead programme planning, delivery coordination, and risk management across multiple interdependent projects
- Oversee day-to-day delivery rhythms, reporting, budgets, and resource allocation
- Guide a small cross-functional team of Project Managers, Workstream Leads, and specialists
- Own programme processes including planning, assurance, benefits realisation, and change control
- Drive alignment across projects, governance groups, councils, and senior stakeholders
- Embed consistent programme standards and a culture of continuous improvement
Job description - Southern Waters Programme Manager
What we're looking for
We are interested in capability, mindset, and leadership approach. You don’t need to have “done it all”, but ideally you will bring:
- Proven experience leading complex projects or programmes with multiple moving parts
- Confidence managing risk, issues, budgets, and change in dynamic environments
- Strong communication skills and the ability to influence across organisations
- Clear, concise reporting skills for senior leaders and governance groups
- A collaborative, relationship-focused leadership style
- Strong organisation skills and the ability to stay delivery-focused in fast-moving settings
About Southern Waters
Southern Waters is a new, jointly owned council water services organisation being established by Central Otago District Council, Clutha District Council, and Gore District Council under the Government’s Local Water Done Well framework.
From 1 July 2027, Southern Waters will be responsible for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across the three districts. The organisation will serve around 59,000 residents, manage more than 3,100 km of pipeline, dozens of treatment plants, and deliver a $560 million capital works programme over the next decade.
Currently in its establishment and transition phase, Southern Waters presents a unique opportunity to help design a new organisation from the ground up and shape how future water services operate.
Southern Waters official website
Why Join Southern Waters?
- Contribute to region-shaping transformation work with lasting community impact
- Build programme and leadership capability at scale
- Work collaboratively with councils across Otago and Southland
How to Apply
Ready to be part of something genuinely impactful?
Please submit:
- Your CV
- A cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience
Applications must be made through the Central Otago District Council online careers portal. Click 'apply' to be redirected.
Applications close: 22/03/2026
For enquiries, please contact: people@codc.govt.nz
