Project Manager - Three Waters

Ryan and Alexander Consultancy; Whakatāne; On-site; NZD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free swimming pool access

Staff benefits

Five weeks annual leave

Job summary

Whakatāne District Council is seeking a Civil Infrastructure Project Lead to deliver Three Waters infrastructure across the district, guiding projects from planning through completion, with emphasis on safety, quality and community outcomes.

You will work with internal teams, consultants, contractors and iwi, managing budgets, timelines, risks and regulatory requirements while shaping long‑term infrastructure for Whakatāne’s growth and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years’ project management experience in civil infrastructure.
• Experience with water, wastewater, or stormwater projects is advantageous.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, timeliness, and risks.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, procurement, delivery and completion of Three Waters projects.
• Manage budgets, timelines, risks, and reporting.
• Oversee consultant and contractor performance for quality outcomes.
• Administer and manage civil engineering contracts.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, iwi and the community.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, regulatory and Council requirements.
• Provide technical guidance to support infrastructure planning.

Skills

Project management

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Commercial acumen

Civil infrastructure experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

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Ryan and Alexander Consultancy – Whakatane, North Island

Our client, Whakatāne District Council, is proud of the place they call home and the work they do for their community. They are a team that values collaboration, continuous learning, and balance. They work hard, support one another, and make the most of everything this incredible region has to offer. With rivers, lakes, beaches, forests, and walking tracks right on the doorstep, lifestyle is genuinely part of the job. Whakatāne District Council is committed to delivering outstanding outcomes for its community while creating an environment where people can grow, contribute, and thrive.

The Opportunity

This is a key role responsible for leading the delivery of Three Waters infrastructure projects across the district. Working closely with internal stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and the wider community, you will oversee projects from planning through to completion, ensuring they are delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. You will play an important role in shaping essential infrastructure that supports the future growth and wellbeing of the Whakatāne community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, procurement, delivery, and completion of Three Waters projects.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, risks, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee consultant and contractor performance, ensuring quality outcomes.
• Administer and manage engineering and construction contracts.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, external stakeholders, iwi, and the community.
• Ensure projects meet legislative, regulatory, and Council requirements.
• Contribute technical expertise and advice to support long-term infrastructure planning.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proven project management experience within civil infrastructure environments (ideally 3-5 years)
• Strong contract management experience, ideally within local government, utilities, or infrastructure sectors.
• Experience delivering water, wastewater, or stormwater projects would be highly advantageous.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with a commitment to delivering quality outcomes.

What's on Offer?

• The opportunity to shape meaningful, long‑term outcomes for the community.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Professional growth and leadership development opportunities.
• Free swimming pool access and a range of staff benefits.
• An incredible Bay of Plenty lifestyle, with beaches, rivers, lakes, and bush walks all within easy reach.
• Competitive salary package.
• Five weeks annual leave.