The Organisation
Selwyn Water is a newly established Council Controlled Organisation. It provides safe, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to communities across the Selwyn district. With approximately $1.3 billion of water and wastewater assets under its management, Selwyn Water combines public ownership with specialist water-sector expertise, independent governance and a dedicated focus on the needs of one of New Zealand’s fastest growing districts.
Selwyn Water takes an intergenerational and community first approach to infrastructure stewardship. Its investment decisions must support sustainable growth, strengthen resilience and deliver enduring benefits for communities and the environment.
For more information go to: http://www.selwynwater.co.nz
The Role
Based in Rolleston, approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Christchurch, and reporting to the Chief Executive, the Director Asset Lifecycle Management will be a member of Selwyn Water’s Executive Team.
You will lead Selwyn Water’s approach to infrastructure strategy and asset lifecycle management. Your portfolio will include asset and service planning, development engineering, growth servicing, asset information and long term infrastructure investment.
You will ensure investment decisions are evidence based, risk informed and aligned with regulatory requirements, organisational priorities and the future needs of Selwyn’s growing communities. You will also lead the integration of lifecycle planning, infrastructure renewals and growth investment to support resilient, sustainable and affordable water services.
As an executive leader, you will build organisational capability, lead multidisciplinary teams and contribute to Selwyn Water’s wider strategy and performance. You will develop trusted relationships with the Board, Iwi, Councils, regulators, developers and other key stakeholders.
Skills and Experience
You will bring significant senior leadership experience, sound commercial and strategic judgement, and a strong understanding of infrastructure planning and investment. You will be comfortable with leading complex programmes and multidisciplinary teams within an infrastructure, utility or asset-intensive environment.
You will also bring:
- Demonstrated experience in strategic asset management, infrastructure planning or lifecycle investment
- The ability to translate complex technical, financial and risk information into clear investment priorities
- An understanding of New Zealand’s infrastructure and regulatory environment
- Strong commercial judgement and an organisation wide perspective
- A collaborative leadership style and the ability to build trusted stakeholder relationships
- Excellent communication and influencing skills
- A relevant tertiary qualification
Experience in the water sector would be advantageous but is not essential. Candidates with strong transferable leadership experience from other infrastructure or utility sectors are encouraged to apply.
To view the position description: click here
To view the candidate briefing pack: click here
The Opportunity
This is an opportunity to join the Executive Team of a newly established water utility and help build the asset management capability, investment discipline and infrastructure strategy required to serve Selwyn’s communities for generations to come.
To apply, please prepare your cover letter and CV and click the ‘Apply’ button. Confidential initial enquiries are welcome by phoning David Clausen on 021 918 873.
Applications for this role close 5.00pm Monday 19 October 2026