Senior Operational Leader - Infrastructure & Environmental Services

WM; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

WM New Zealand is seeking an experienced Senior Operational Leader to take ownership of one of Auckland’s largest and most strategically important assets. This role oversees safety, performance, environmental stewardship, financial outcomes and long-term success of a complex infrastructure asset, leading a team of about 35 employees and multiple contractors.

Reporting to the Regional Manager, you will collaborate with engineering, environmental management, health and safety, finance, maintenance

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading large operational teams in a complex, asset-intensive environment.
• Delivery of safety, operational, financial, and people outcomes.
• Experience managing contractors, budgets, and capital projects.
• Strong stakeholder management including regulators and communities.
• Ability to build high-performing teams and drive continuous improvement.
• Willingness to base in Auckland and lead across functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety, operational performance, environmental stewardship, and financial outcomes.
• Direct a team of approximately 35 employees and multiple contractors.
• Collaborate with engineering, environmental management, health and safety, finance, maintenance and community engagement.
• Drive strategic leadership and risk management across the operation.
• Foster accountability and a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

Large-scale operations

People leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Budget & financial oversight

Contractor management

Risk management

Strategic planning

Job description

Senior Operational Leader - Infrastructure & Environmental Services

• Full-time

Lead one of New Zealand's most complex and strategically important operational assets.

Let’s take care of work that matters - people, place and purpose. From roads to recycling to reporting, everyone at WM New Zealand helps take care of our people, protect our whenua and support our communities.

We’re more than waste management – we’re problem solvers, innovators, and hands-on doers. Every one of us, whether behind the wheel, on the tools, or shaping strategy behind the scenes, is helping build a better Aotearoa.

The role you’ll play.

Redvale Landfill is far more than a landfill.

We are seeking an experienced Branch Manager to take ownership of one of our largest and most strategically important operations in Auckland.

This is a significant leadership position responsible for the safety, operational performance, environmental stewardship, financial outcomes, and long-term success of a complex, highly regulated infrastructure asset.

Leading a team of approximately 35 employees and multiple contractors, you will have responsibility for driving operational excellence while building a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance.

Reporting to the Regional Manager, you will work closely with specialist teams across engineering, environmental management, health and safety, finance, maintenance, and community engagement to deliver outstanding outcomes for the business and the communities we serve

What you’ll need.

This role will appeal to experienced leaders from industries such as infrastructure, utilities, manufacturing, mining, quarrying, ports, transport, logistics, aviation, defence, energy, construction, or other complex operational environments.

You do not need experience in the waste or environmental services sector to succeed. We are looking for an accomplished leader with the ability to build high-performing teams, manage risk, engage stakeholders, and consistently deliver results. We will provide the industry-specific training and support needed to be successful.

You will bring:

• Proven experience leading large operational teams in a complex, asset-intensive environment.
• A track record of delivering strong safety, operational, financial, and people outcomes.
• Experience managing contractors, operational risk, budgets, and capital projects.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including customers, regulators, contractors, community groups, and senior executives.
• The ability to build high-performing teams and create a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Commercial acumen and experience managing operational performance and budgets.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications are advantageous but not essential. We are more interested in proven leadership experience within large-scale operational environments.

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a critical operation, influence strategic decisions, and lead an experienced team within a business that plays an essential role in New Zealand's future.

WM New Zealand is an equal opportunity employer and promotes a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.

Applicants must currently be based in New Zealand and hold New Zealand citizenship, residency or a valid work visa.