Contract Manager - Stormwater & Wastewater

Help shape Nelson’s future. Lead with expertise. Make a difference. We’re looking for an experienced contract manager with strong stormwater and wastewater expertise

Shaping our future | Kōmiria te anamata

Shaping Our Future was built with the ideas and experience of our own people. Staff input shaped our Operating Model, and that model now guides our new structure: organised around our customers, clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the future. Part of that vision is a workplace where people feel they belong and have room to grow. If you’re looking to develop your career, use your skills in a new way, or help shape how we serve Whakatū Nelson, we encourage you to apply.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

Draw on your contract management experience to help ensure Council’s stormwater and wastewater assets and services continue to operate reliably for the community.

You will

• Oversee the operation and maintenance of wastewater and stormwater reticulation networks, open channels, flood protection and land drainage activities
• Manage contracts and minor project work through investigation, design, procurement, construction and completion
• Coordinate contractors and consultants and administer operation and maintenance contracts
• Monitor SCADA systems and support the maintenance of operational systems
• Maintain asset information and contribute to condition assessments, lifecycle planning and renewals
• Support regulatory compliance, resource consent processes and responses to service requests
• Provide technical advice and operational support to the Utilities team and wider Council
• Participate in after-hours rosters and support emergency and Civil Defence responses
• Identify opportunities to improve operations, maintenance and service delivery.

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You’ll bring strong technical knowledge of stormwater and wastewater systems, sound judgement and practical experience delivering infrastructure projects and contracts. You’ll be organised, collaborative and confident working with contractors, consultants, colleagues, stakeholders and the community.

You’ll also have

• An NZCE in Civil Engineering, a science or similar tertiary-level qualification, or substantial relevant industry experience
• A full current New Zealand driver licence
• A strong understanding of stormwater and wastewater systems, drainage principles, open channels and land drainage
• Experience in hydraulic or catchment analysis and engineering design
• Contract management experience, including knowledge of standards such as NZS 3910 and NZS 3917
• Project management and delivery experience
• Experience investigating and resolving network issues
• Experience managing contractors and consultants
• An understanding of asset management, lifecycle planning and relevant legislation
• Proficiency in asset systems and standard software tools
• Infrastructure operations experience within a utilities or local government environment

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives

A fully subsidised health insurance scheme

A flexible workplace including hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance

Generous leave provisions

Learning and professional development opportunities

Access to various employee benefits and discounts

Opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that shape our community's wellbeing and future

Mountains, beaches and national parks at your doorstep

At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

11pm, Friday 6 November 2026

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

Please reach out to our people team on [email protected]