Chief Executive, Pioneering Water Services Transformation

Sheffield Group; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

Central South Island Water Limited is inviting a senior leader to form and lead the new organisation as Chief Executive, guiding the establishment phase and transitioning to ongoing operations from 1 July 2027. You will report to the Board and shape systems, governance, culture and capability for Timaru and Mackenzie districts.

The role demands high‑level governance, stakeholder engagement with mana whenua and regulators, and a strong commercially driven approach to delivery of essential water

Qualifications

• Extensive senior executive leadership in complex, publicly accountable or regulated settings.
• Proven experience leading establishment, major transition or transformation initiatives.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen including asset management and sustainability.
• Solid governance understanding and interface management between governance and management.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement with elected members, regulators, mana whenua and communities.
• Cultural competence and empathy to build enduring partnerships with Iwi and hapū.
• Personal resilience and sound judgement to lead in ambiguity and high‑visibility environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of the Establishment Plan for timely readiness of the JWO.
• Stand up the operating model: systems, policies, governance, employment arrangements, organisational structure.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting and reporting through establishment and early operations.
• Manage staff, assets, data and contracts transfer from shareholding councils.
• Collaborate with the Board to set strategic direction and governance boundaries.
• Ensure compliance with Taumata Arowai, Commerce Commission and DIA requirements.
• Build a values‑led leadership team and an organisation culture reflecting communities.
• Maintain trusted relationships with Shareholder Councils, Mana Whenua, regulators and customers.

Skills

Senior leadership

Establishment/Transformation

Commercial acumen

Governance

Stakeholder engagement

Cultural competence

Resilience

Job description

Central South Island Water Limited is inviting a senior leader to form and lead the new organisation as Chief Executive, guiding the establishment phase and transitioning to ongoing operations from 1 July 2027. You will report to the Board and shape systems, governance, culture and capability for Timaru and Mackenzie districts.

The role demands high‑level governance, stakeholder engagement with mana whenua and regulators, and a strong commercially driven approach to delivery of essential water