Water Operations Lead — 3 Waters Transition

Populous People Limited; Hastings; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Populous People Limited is seeking an experienced water professional to join Water Hawke’s Bay transition team in Hastings. This fixed-term role will help shift drinking water, wastewater and stormwater delivery models toward WHB’s operating framework, beginning 1 July 2027.

You will lead operational decisions, define frameworks, and work across three councils and other stakeholders to minimise disruption while transferring assets and contracts.

Qualifications

• Experience leading water services delivery in local government or utilities.
• Strong understanding of three waters operations (drinking water, wastewater, stormwater).
• Ability to translate technical knowledge into practical frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead transition decisions shaping operational frameworks and service delivery.
• Oversee data transfer, readiness of services, and operational contracts.
• Collaborate with councils and stakeholders to manage risk and regulatory obligations.
• Support resilience, incident and health & safety workstreams as needed.

Skills

Water operations leadership

Engineering background

Regulatory compliance

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Populous People Limited is seeking an experienced water professional to join Water Hawke’s Bay transition team in Hastings. This fixed-term role will help shift drinking water, wastewater and stormwater delivery models toward WHB’s operating framework, beginning 1 July 2027.

You will lead operational decisions, define frameworks, and work across three councils and other stakeholders to minimise disruption while transferring assets and contracts.