Establishment General Manager – Three Wers

Sheffield - Leaders for over 60 years. Est View all jobs

Lead a nationally significant, high-profile transformation in local water services

Blend your commercial acumen with public sector impact in a unique leadership role

Fixed term role until July 2027 with potential for extension

5 weeks annual leave + KiwiSaver + car park + flexible working hours

Invercargill City Council is seeking a visionary and commercially astute leader to establish and transition its new in-house Water Services Entity. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of water service delivery in Invercargill, aligning with the Government's "Local Water Done Well" initiative.

Reporting to the Group Manager – Infrastructure, you will lead the creation of a standalone, financially ringfenced business unit, overseeing its strategic direction, operational readiness, and long-term sustainability. The role spans both establishment and operational phases, with a contract through to July 2027 and potential for extension.

You'll be responsible for building a high-performing team, developing governance and service frameworks, and ensuring compliance with emerging legislation and economic regulation. From July 2026, you'll also oversee day-to-day operations, delivering high-quality water services to the community.

We're looking for a dynamic leader with:

• 15+ years' senior leadership experience in Water Services or a similarly complex infrastructure or utilities environment.
• Proven success in establishment or transition roles, ideally within commercial or network utilities.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing large-scale projects and capital works programmes.
• Commercial exposure running or contributing to a commercial activity, ideally in water, energy or civil infrastructure sectors.
• Exceptional people leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Outstanding communication skills, including confidence in public and Council forums.
• A commitment to safety, sustainability, and customer service excellence.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a transformational project in local government, with standout benefits including:

• The ability to influence the future of water services in Invercargill and contribute to national reform.
• A competitive remuneration package.
• A fixed-term contract to July 2027, with potential for a further 3-year extension.
• The opportunity to work alongside a passionate and supportive leadership team.
• To work as part of a values-driven organisation committed to excellence, responsibility, and community impact.

Invercargill City Council is a progressive local authority committed to delivering high-quality services to its community. With the decision to retain local control of water services, ICC is establishing a new Water Services Entity that will operate as a financially ringfenced business unit, delivering water services with a commercial lens while remaining accountable to the community.

This initiative reflects ICC's proactive approach to reform and its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and service excellence.

At ICC, our values guide everything we do:

• Responsibility – We take ownership of decisions and outcomes.
• Above and Beyond – We take opportunities to go the extra mile.
• Respect – Everyone is important, as are their views.
• Positivity – We always look on the bright side of life.

You'll join a collaborative and forward-thinking organisation where your leadership will make a lasting impact.

To apply in strict confidence now, click 'Apply for this job' or email your cover letter and CV to [emailprotected] quoting 9023SIsk. Applications close on 24th September 2025. Emails will be electronically acknowledged and further correspondence may be by email.

To view the Candidate Briefing document, please click here.