Team Leader | Rivers Asset Management

Environment Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional council in New Zealand is seeking a leadership role focused on the planning and management of river and drainage infrastructure. Candidates should have at least 8 years of experience in infrastructure or asset management, proven leadership skills, and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders. This role emphasizes strategic improvement, project management, and community collaboration, contributing to a sustainable environment.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years’ experience in infrastructure or asset management.
• Proven leadership experience in a technical or project environment.
• Strong knowledge and experience in business and management practices.

Responsibilities

• Leading the strategic improvement of asset management for flood protection.
• Overseeing investigations and design work.
• Providing technical advice to stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Project management

Asset management

Technical expertise in civil infrastructure

Job description

As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

The region’s evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.

Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

This leadership role sits within the Rivers Section and is responsible for leading the planning, management, and continuous improvement of Council’s River and drainage infrastructure assets. This is a new role, and it fits within a team of Survey, Asset Management, Investigation and Design professionals reporting to the Chief Engineer.

You’ll lead a team of technical experts, oversee investigations and design work, manage contractors, and ensure projects meet industry standards and community needs. You’ll also play a key role in fluvial monitoring and gravel management and contribute to strategic planning and reporting.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the strategic improvement of asset management for flood protection, land drainage and erosion control infrastructure
• Asset performance assessments and reporting, highlighting successes and improvement actions required
• Transforming performance assessments into a prioritised forward works programme
• Providing technical advice and reporting to stakeholders
• Building a high-performing team of asset management professionals

You’re an experienced engineering professional with a strong background in river or civil infrastructure and a passion for leading people and projects. You bring strategic thinking, technical expertise, and a collaborative mindset to everything you do.

You’ll be confident engaging with mana whenua, stakeholders, and communities, and committed to supporting our journey as a Treaty partner of excellence.

Requirements:

• At least 8 years’ experience in infrastructure or asset management
• Proven leadership experience in a technical or project environment
• Strong knowledge and experience in business and management practices including resource co-ordination and project management
• Proven ability to manage large-scale projects and budgets
• Confidence in public speaking and communication of technical information to diverse audiences
• A commitment to te ao Māori and cultural capability development

We value diversity and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.