Design Lead Facilities

Overview

This full-time role based in Wellington offers a 40-hour work week, with a salary range of $117,099 to $165,316 NZD (inclusive of KiwiSaver), adjusted according to expertise and experience. As the Design Lead Facilities at Tiaki Wai, you'll blend leadership with deep technical expertise to steer the Facilities Design team and shape vital water infrastructure projects across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide and nurture a high-caliber Facilities Design team by offering clear leadership, coaching, mentoring, and setting technical direction.
• Provide expert technical advice and design assurance on major water facilities projects, rigorously evaluating assumptions and overseeing design-related risks.
• Champion the advancement and refinement of design and construction standards for facilities.
• Direct internally managed facilities projects to ensure they meet quality benchmarks, adhere to safety standards, stay on schedule, and remain within budget.

Candidate Profile

• Hold a Bachelor’s or Diploma in Engineering, favoring civil, process, or mechanical disciplines.
• Possess Chartered Professional Engineer accreditation is highly advantageous.
• Bring over ten years of post-qualification experience in water infrastructure design and project delivery.
• Demonstrate detailed expertise in three waters facilities design supported by substantial technical knowledge.
• Exhibit a proven track record in leading teams or projects, with strong emphasis on coaching and personnel development.
• Show solid project management capabilities, including familiarity with contract documentation, scheduling, budgeting, and stakeholder communications.
• Have sharp commercial insight and experience partnering effectively with internal teams, external consultants, and contractors.
• Excel in communication and relationship building to effectively manage complex situations and produce practical, impactful outcomes.

About Tiaki Wai

Tiaki Wai is a council-owned entity responsible for the delivery and management of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services throughout Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Wellington. Their mission focuses on maintaining and enhancing extensive public water infrastructure for health, environmental stewardship, and community growth, respecting water as a precious resource.

Benefits

• Offers flexible work arrangements with up to two days of remote work weekly.
• Includes a comprehensive wellbeing program featuring an annual paid wellbeing day.
• Provides opportunities for professional growth through formal and informal development.
• After two years of continuous service, employees accrue five weeks of annual leave.

Additional Information

Candidates invited for safety-critical roles must undergo pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. Applicants must have lawful right for long-term employment in New Zealand or be eligible for a work visa. Applications close on September 3rd, 2026.