Development Lead

He kōrero mō mātou | About Watercare

Ki te ora te wai, ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata

When the water is healthy, the land and the people are healthy

Now is an exciting time to join Watercare, we're planning to spend $14 billion over the next 10 years to ensure we can continue to support our growing city in a climate-resilient way. When you average that out, that's an investment of $3.8 million every day!

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role

We are looking for an experienced

Development Programme Lead to join our Strategy and Planning team based in Newmarket.

You will be responsible for leading Watercare's engagement with major developers across Auckland and managing relationships on large-scale residential, commercial and public housing developments that have significant infrastructure impacts.

This role plays a critical part in connecting developers, Auckland Council, Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) and Watercare teams to ensure development outcomes are supported by effective water and wastewater infrastructure planning. You'll guide stakeholders through the development process, coordinate internal expertise, and help shape practical solutions that support Auckland's growth.

Fixed term to end June 2027.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Leading Watercare's engagement with major developers from early planning through to implementation
• Acting as the primary point of contact for developers, consultants and key external stakeholders
• Coordinating internal Watercare inputs across planning, consenting, developer services, operations and programme delivery teams
• Supporting Watercare's involvement in = Fast Track applications
• Supporting in the facilitation of infrastructure funding and commercial agreements with developers
• Maintaining strong relationships with Auckland Council, CCOs, Kāinga Ora and other strategic partners
• Ensuring proposed developments are incorporated into Watercare's planning and investment strategies
• Managing development tracking, reporting and stakeholder communications
• Identifying risks, resolving issues and driving collaborative outcomes across complex projects

Ngā pūkenga e rapu nei mātou | About you

You are a relationship-focused professional with strong stakeholder management, programme coordination and problem-solving skills. You thrive in complex environments, enjoy working across multiple disciplines, and can confidently engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Your Skills And Experience Include

• A tertiary qualification in water and wastewater engineering, resource management, or a related discipline
• At least 3 years' experience in a relevant infrastructure, planning, development or engineering environment
• Demonstrated project or programme management experience
• Strong stakeholder engagement, relationship management and negotiation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to coordinate multiple workstreams and manage competing priorities
• Strong problem-solving capabilities and commercial awareness
• Experience working with cross-functional teams to achieve successful outcomes

Desirable Experience Includes

• Knowledge of Auckland's development sector and growth planning environment
• Experience with commercial agreements, funding arrangements or cost recovery processes
• Understanding of water and wastewater infrastructure networks
• Experience working with developers, local government or public sector organisations

Ngā hua mōu | What's in it for you

We offer a competitive salary and staff benefits package including:

• Training and development opportunities
• Employee discounts at a range of large retailers

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to Apply

Come and join our team! If you are looking for an exciting career opportunity with a fantastic team then please apply online today - careers.watercare.co.nz.