Chief Executive, Water Services Transformation

Sheffield Group; Timaru; On-site; NZD 250,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Central South Island Water Limited invites a visionary Chief Executive to guide the new JWO from inception, establishing systems, culture and leadership for Timaru and Mackenzie districts. The role anchors strategic direction, operational readiness from 1 July 2027, and ongoing steady-state performance under board oversight.

You will lead governance, regulatory compliance with Taumata Arowai and other bodies, build a values-led leadership team, and engage mana whenua and communities.

Qualifications

• Senior leaders in local government, CCOs, regulated utilities, infrastructure, or commercial organisations with experience leading establishment or transformation.
• Exceptional leader with strategic vision and delivery capability in complex, publicly accountable environments.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen including asset management, capital investment, and sustainability.
• Understanding of governance interfaces and ability to drive governance–management boundaries.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement with elected members, regulators, mana whenua and communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of the Establishment Plan to achieve full operational readiness on time.
• Stand up the operating model: systems, policies, governance, arrangements and structure.
• Manage financial planning, budgeting, reporting through establishment and early operations.
• Oversee transfer of staff, assets, data, and contracts from shareholding councils.
• Set strategic direction with the Board and maintain governance–management clarity.
• Ensure compliance with statutory/regulatory obligations for Taumata Arowai, Commerce Commission and DIA.
• Build a capable, values-led leadership team and culture reflecting communities served.
• Maintain trusted relationships with Shareholder Councils, Mana Whenua, regulators, customers and the public.

Skills

Executive leadership

Governance & oversight

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Public sector experience

Job description

Central South Island Water Limited invites a visionary Chief Executive to guide the new JWO from inception, establishing systems, culture and leadership for Timaru and Mackenzie districts. The role anchors strategic direction, operational readiness from 1 July 2027, and ongoing steady-state performance under board oversight.

You will lead governance, regulatory compliance with Taumata Arowai and other bodies, build a values-led leadership team, and engage mana whenua and communities.