Principal Advisor - Transition

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Key transition role in water services delivery for the Wellington Region

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Opportunity to work in an organisation at establishment phase

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Based in our Petone office close to the beach and shops

The remuneration Midpoint for this role is $137,763 (including KiwiSaver) depending on skills and experience

This is a full-time position for a fixed term of 12 months

The opportunity

The Principal Advisor – Transition will lead, deliver and support critical transition activities and stabilisation of establishment work that are important to the successful transition and effective functioning of Tiaki Wai. Reporting to the Head of Transformation, you will contribute to supporting and embedding changes as part of the Transition by:

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Providing leadership and guidance across transition activities

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Leading and guiding improvement activities that enables Wellington Water’s contribution to Tiaki Wai being set up for success

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Establishing the forward improvement and change programme, and driving activities to embed new ways of working

In addition, you will get to

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Deliver on the intent of Water Reform

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Drive collaborative work across multiple parties and stakeholders

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Support reporting to our Executive leadership and Board

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Champion the objectives of the Transition programme and lead continuous improvement initiatives

About you

To be successful in this role you will bring

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Experience in similar roles, leading complex transformation, change or policy programmes.

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Strong leadership and strategic thinking with proven relationship, engagement and influencing at a senior level

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Drive and initiative, with the ability to proactively problem solve

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Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written with the ability to produce high quality reports

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An understanding the nuances of the political environment that Wellington Water operates in

Benefits

At Wellington Water, 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

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Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home

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Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually

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Formal and informal professional development opportunities

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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

Wellington Water Ltd is the professional water services provider across Greater Wellington and South Wairarapa. Our job is to provide safe and healthy drinking water, collect and treat wastewater, and ensure the stormwater network is well managed. We’re a multi-council owned entity, tasked to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities. From 1 July 2026, a new chapter in water services begins. Tiaki Wai will take over responsibility for providing Three Waters Services to approximately 433,000 residents across the Wellington metro regions.

Tiaki Wai will own the water assets it operates giving it greater independence to manage and improve water services for current and future communities, Wellington Water employees will transition into this new council-owned entity.

The value of water (a precious taonga) sits at our organisational heart. Our people are passionate about providing water services for our communities and environment which is reflective in our values; Tangata Tiaki, Whānau and Mana.

Applications close: Thursday 25 June 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 Wellington Water Careers site, please note if you are a Wellington Water employee please apply using your work email.

For further information, email: JoinUs@wellingtonwater.co.nz

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