Strategic Consenting Programme Leader

Watercare; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training opportunities

Life insurance

Generous parental leave

Employee discounts

Job summary

Watercare in Auckland seeks a Strategic Consenting Programme Manager to lead large-scale, multi-year consenting programmes, aligning strategy, consenting and asset planning to meet statutory obligations and community commitments. You will work with executives, regulators, iwi and consultants to drive governance, develop strategies, manage budgets and risks, and deliver milestones across complex projects.

This role requires a graduate or postgraduate degree in a related field and 10+ years of

Qualifications

• Graduate/postgraduate degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Planning or related field.
• 10+ years leading large-scale programmes, ideally in consenting, infrastructure or utilities.
• Experience navigating regulatory environments and statutory planning processes.
• Proven success leading high-profile programmes in large organisations.
• Strong political acumen and ability to influence executives and boards.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of strategic consenting programmes and governance frameworks.
• Develop consenting strategies responsive to current and future legislation and regulations.
• Align consenting programmes with infrastructure planning, asset management and operations.
• Manage programme scope, budgets, schedules, risks and resources.
• Establish and maintain relationships with regulators, iwi, community groups and external stakeholders.
• Lead consultation and engagement across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Provide strategic advice and programme updates to senior leaders and Board audiences.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including engineers, planners and environmental specialists.
• Drive business case development, procurement strategies and commercial decision-making.
• Manage transition from consent acquisition through to long-term operational compliance.

Skills

Political acumen

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Engagement

Communication

Education

Engineering degree

Environmental Science

Planning

Project Management

Job description

Watercare in Auckland seeks a Strategic Consenting Programme Manager to lead large-scale, multi-year consenting programmes, aligning strategy, consenting and asset planning to meet statutory obligations and community commitments. You will work with executives, regulators, iwi and consultants to drive governance, develop strategies, manage budgets and risks, and deliver milestones across complex projects.

This role requires a graduate or postgraduate degree in a related field and 10+ years of