Water Services Strategy Lead

Our vision :

Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

About the role

Help protect Aotearoa’s most precious natural places by leading the strategy that keeps water flowing cleanly and sustainably across our conservation estate.

As Water Services Strategy Lead, you’ll guide the strategic direction for how water is managed, treated, and sustained across our diverse national parks, visitor sites, and conservation assets. This is a role where your technical expertise meets purpose—connecting infrastructure strategy with environmental stewardship and long‑term resilience.

You’ll lead the development and delivery of DOC’s Water Services Strategy, ensuring it integrates organisational priorities, financial planning, and regulatory compliance. Working across functions, regions, and disciplines, you’ll influence decisions at all levels—supporting sustainable investment, championing best practice in asset management, and helping DOC continue to care for the whenua, wai, and taiao.

• Lead DOC’s Water Services Strategy : develop and maintain an integrated long-term strategy aligning organisational priorities, infrastructure planning, and financial management.
• Drive Investment and Asset Management : shape prudent and strategic approaches to planning, renewal, and investment for DOC’s water infrastructure network, responsible for the water asset management plan.
• Provide Strategic Advice : offer trusted, specialist guidance across DOC to enhance water services management and support innovation in design and delivery.
• Champion Improvement Initiatives : identify and lead opportunities to strengthen asset performance, risk management, and service delivery.
• Influence and Lead through Collaboration : guide and inspire teams across DOC, setting direction and expectations while fostering a culture of shared learning and inclusion.

Skills and experience

• Proven ability to shape and implement long-term strategies that align with organisational goals.
• Expertise in strategic asset and lifecycle management for infrastructure systems.
• Strong understanding of water service frameworks, legislation, and regulatory compliance.
• Skilled in financial planning, investment analysis, and capital budgeting.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across diverse groups.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary and regional teams through influence rather than authority.
• Industry-recognised asset management qualification (or equivalent experience).
• Proficiency in asset management systems (e.g., SAP / EAM) and standard office tools.

About the team

The Asset Management Directorate (AMD) brings all of DOC’s asset portfolios under one directorate. AMD delivers on Organisation Support’s strategy to create a safe, compliant, and financially sustainable asset network that enables DOC Outcomes.

What’s in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Secondment only

You are encouraged to discuss secondment opportunities with your manager. Secondments should offer the opportunity to build capability in line with your development plan. You must seek the support of your line manager (minimum Tier 4) in writing before applying for a secondment opportunity and attach it to your application.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Applications close

Applications close at 11 : 59 pm on Sunday, 14 December 2025.

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

For further enquiries

Please contact Adam Liao,

Salary range is $96,185.00 - $128,912.00 with starting salary based on relevant skills and experience.

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