Head of Communications and Engagement

• Lead strategic communications and reputation management for a high-profile public sector organisation
• Influence at executive and governance level during a period of significant sector transformation
• Petone location with flexible working arrangements available

This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week.

The opportunity

This is a strategically important leadership role responsible for protecting and enhancing Wellington Water’s reputation in a highly complex environment during a time of change.

You’ll lead a high-performing Communications and Engagement team, provide trusted strategic advice to the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team, and help position the organisation as the professional water services provider for the Wellington region during a period of sector reform.

• Lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s internal and external communications and engagement strategy.
• Provide strategic communications and reputation management advice to executive and governance leaders.
• Identify and manage emerging reputational risks and issues.
• Oversee corporate communications, internal engagement, media, digital and stakeholder and community engagement activities across the organisation.
• Build and lead a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team.

About You

To be successful in this role you will bring:

• Significant senior-level strategic communications and engagement experience
• Proven leadership capability with experience building high-performing teams
• Strong issues, crisis and emergency communications management expertise
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills
• A resilient leader with strong experience working in complex, ambiguous, and politically sensitive environments

Benefits

At Wellington Water, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.

Our Benefits Include

• Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home
• Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
• Formal and informal professional development opportunities
• 5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service

For a full list of our employee benefits click here.

Wellington Water Ltd is the professional water services provider across Greater Wellington and South Wairarapa. Our job is to provide safe and healthy drinking water, collect and treat wastewater, and ensure the stormwater network is well managed. We’re a multi-council owned entity, tasked to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities. From 1 July 2026, a new chapter in water services begins. Tiaki Wai will take over responsibility for providing Three Waters Services to approximately 433,000 residents across the Wellington metro regions.

Tiaki Wai will own the water assets it operates giving it greater independence to manage and improve water services for current and future communities, Wellington Water employees will transition into this new council-owned entity.

The value of water (a precious taonga) sits at our organisational heart. Our people are passionate about providing water services for our communities and environment which is reflective in our values; Tangata Tiaki, Whānau and Mana.

Applications close: Thursday 25 June 2026

How To Apply

To view a copy of the position description: click here

To apply for the role, click on the ”apply” button or visit the Wellington Water Careers site, please note if you are a Wellington Water employee please apply using your work email.

For further information, email: ***email_hidden***

Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Wellington Water. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.