Digital Programme Manager

Why join us?

Join a newly created organisation and play a key role in shaping the digital foundations that will support water services across the region.

Work closely with the Chief Executive, councils, governance groups and delivery partners in a highly influential role that will provide oversight of major technology and organisational change.

Contribute to an organisation that will deliver essential drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services to communities across three council areas.

Enjoy the flexibility of a part-time contractor engagement (2-3 days per week) while leading a significant and complex digital transformation programme.

About us

Central Districts Water is a jointly owned water services organisation established by Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council and Rangitīkei District Council. The organisation will become operational on 1 July 2027 and will deliver safe, reliable and high-quality drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services to the communities it serves. Its current focus is leading a careful and well-managed transition of services, people, assets and systems.

This is an exciting opportunity to join at a formative stage and provide strategic oversight of Central Districts Water's digital programme. You will help ensure digital systems, processes, data and technology capabilities are successfully established to support the organisation from day one and beyond.

About the role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Digital Programme Manager will oversee Central Districts Waters digital programme and implementation of the digital strategy.

Working closely with delivery partners, councils and internal stakeholders, you will provide client-side governance, assurance and strategic leadership across programme delivery, organisational change, vendor performance, risk management and business readiness.

You will be the Chief Executive's trusted advisor on programme progress, digital priorities and strategic technology decisions, ensuring delivery remains aligned with organisational objectives, timelines and budget expectations.

This is a part-time contractor role (2-3 days per week) for an anticipated 12-18 month engagement, based in Palmerston North.

What you'll do:

• Provide oversight and assurance across the digital programme and implementation roadmap.

• Translate strategic priorities into clear delivery outcomes and expectations for delivery partners.

• Monitor programme performance, milestones, budgets, risks, dependencies and benefits realisation.

• Hold vendors and delivery partners accountable for agreed outcomes, quality standards and timelines.

• Provide strategic advice to the Chief Executive on digital, technology, cyber security and data-related matters.

• Establish and maintain effective governance, reporting, assurance and decision-making processes.

• Prepare high-quality reports, dashboards, briefings and recommendations for senior leaders and governance groups.

• Lead programme risk management, issue resolution and change control processes.

• Support organisational readiness, digital adoption and successful implementation of new systems and services.

• Build effective relationships with councils, governance groups, suppliers, mana whenua, iwi/hapū partners and other key stakeholders.

• Ensure programme delivery remains aligned with business needs, regulatory requirements and long-term organisational goals.

About you

You will be an experienced digital programme leader with a proven ability to oversee complex technology and transformation initiatives delivered through external vendors or delivery partners.

You will bring strong commercial judgement, governance capability and strategic thinking, along with the ability to influence, engage and build confidence across a wide range of stakeholders.

What you will bring:

• Significant senior-level experience overseeing complex digital transformation or technology programmes.

• Proven experience managing external delivery partners, systems integrators or strategic suppliers.

• Strong programme governance, assurance, planning, budgeting, risk management and reporting capability.

• Demonstrated success leading organisational change and supporting adoption of new systems and ways of working.

• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, negotiation and influencing skills.

• Experience working with Chief Executives, Boards, governance groups and senior leaders.

• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including oversight of programme budgets, contracts and supplier performance.

• The ability to provide clear, practical and strategic advice on technology, digital services, cyber security and organisational capability.

Desirable

• MSP, PRINCE2, PMP, Prosci or equivalent programme, project or change management qualification.

• Experience within infrastructure, utilities, water services, local government or public-sector environments.

• Experience delivering enterprise technology platforms, digital transformation programmes, cyber security initiatives or data and integration projects.

• Understanding of the New Zealand public-sector environment and experience engaging with mana whenua and iwi/hapū partners.

Position Details

Location: Palmerston North
Reporting to: Chief Executive
Term: 12-18 Month Contractor Engagement
Hours: Part-time (2-3 days per week)

Applications close: 11.00 pm, Friday 18 September.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all those suitably qualified for this position.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We encourage interested candidates to apply early, as the position may close prior to the advertised closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.