Network Operations Manager

At Hamilton City Council, we are dedicated to improving the well-being of Hamiltonians. Our mission is to unlock Hamilton’s full potential, making it the best place to live. Our values of adaptability, simplicity, inclusiveness, guardianship, and ambition drive everything we do. We are looking for passionate individuals who share our vision and values to join our team.

This position sits within the Infrastructure and Assets Group who, from planning to maintenance, are dedicated to delivering resilient infrastructure and services that enrich lives today and ensure a thriving future for our community.

He angituutanga: The opportunity

Lead the team that keeps Hamilton’s Three Waters networks flowing. We are searching for a dynamic and supportive leader to step into the role of Network Operations Manager, reporting directly to the Head of Operations & Process (Three Waters). This pivotal position involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city’s Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater networks, ensuring that our people, customers, and communities receive safe, reliable, and high-quality services.

In this role, you’ll empower your team to guide and coordinate all network operational activities. Your leadership will be crucial in delivering efficient work outcomes and swiftly addressing emerging network concerns, all while completing operational work programs with minimal disruption to the public. By planning ahead, proactively solving problems, and constantly seeking ways to optimise service, you’ll keep everything running smoothly for everyone who relies on our networks. Effective communication with our customers will also be key, keeping them informed and engaged.

If you thrive on managing risk, leading safety-critical operations, working directly with customers, and stewarding budgets and contracts to deliver reliable services for the community this is the job for you. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about leading people, enhancing systems, and making a tangible impact on the city’s essential water services.

Join us and be a part of something significant, contributing to the well-being of Hamilton’s communities through exemplary water services management.

Please be advised that this role will initially be positioned within Hamilton City Council. As of 1 July 2026, your role will transfer to be positioned within IAWAI – Flowing Waters, a Council Controlled Organisation. You will be kept informed with regular communications before and during the transition.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

Qualifications and experience:

• Tertiary degree in Civil Engineering or similar
• Minimum of 10 years technical experience relating to a three waters operations and 5 years management experience in the Water Industry.
• Expert Knowledge of Water, Wastewater and Stormwater networks.
• Staff management and Leadership skills.
• Experience in budget setting and management
• Experience and knowledge of financial, quality and operational data management systems including scada.
• Experience with staff development, employment, and performance management procedures

Qualities and attributes:

• Ability to make effective decisions under pressure and to think and manage clearly during times of rapid change
• Proven oral and written reporting and communication skills
• Communicates information in a way that increases understanding of issues and builds positive relationships with groups
• Ability to effectively manage time and meet multiple deadlines
• Understanding of Health and Safety Law and practices
• Current Clean drivers’ license.
• Knowledge of Resource Management Act (Preferred not required)

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary?

Circa $140K dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now!

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 23/02/2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. This role is Safety Sensitive so a pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol test will be required. View more information about these checks and our commitment to the Privacy act here by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.