Team Leader Drainage

Wellington Water; Wellington; On-site; NZD 86,230 - 121,736; Full time

Job summary

Wellington Water seeks a seasoned leader to oversee essential drainage and water infrastructure operations. Based at the Pomare Depot, this permanent full-time role directs teams to deliver reliable services to communities daily.

You will bring proven leadership in operational environments, hands-on drainage/pipeline experience, strong planning, safety focus, and clear communication with crews, stakeholders and the public. On-call escalation is required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading teams in operational environments.
• Hands-on drainage or pipeline operations experience.
• Strong planning, coordination and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to health, safety and continuous improvement.
• Ability to communicate effectively with teams, stakeholders and the public.

Responsibilities

• Lead a critical service that supports communities every day.
• Oversee drainage/pipeline operations and related infrastructure activities.
• Manage on-call escalation and service continuity.
• Develop and implement safety and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Team leadership

Planning & coordination

Problem solving

Health & safety

Communication

Systems usage

On-call escalation

NZ Driver Licence

Education

NZ Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Level 4) – Pipeline Construction & Maintenance

Level 5 qualification (or working towards)

Job description

Job Overview

Lead a critical service that supports communities every day.

Based out of the Pomare Depot.

Permanent, Full-time role.

The remuneration range for this role is $86,230 to $121,736 (including KiwiSaver). We anticipate paying around the midpoint $101,447.

Lead Essential Infrastructure. Deliver For Communities. Build High-performing Teams.

About You

You will come from a drainage, water or civil background and have experience leading teams to deliver outcomes.

• Proven experience leading teams in an operational or infrastructure environment
• Hands‑on experience in drainage or pipeline operations
• Strong planning, coordination and problem‑solving skills
• A commitment to health, safety and continuous improvement
• Ability to communicate effectively with teams, stakeholders and the public
• Confidence using systems and technology to manage work
• Able to participate in an escalation on call roster
• Full NZ Class 1 Driver Licence
• NZ Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Level 4) – Pipeline Construction & Maintenance (or equivalent) and/or significant operational leadership experience
• Level 5 qualification (or working towards) preferred

Benefits

• Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
• Formal and informal professional development opportunities
• 5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service

Our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.

Applications close 19 July 2026. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis; interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.