Inflow and Infiltration Program Manager

Tau ake rā te moana nei, e papaki kau ana ki te ākau tangata, kakenga waka ka mauru te tohu ki te arearenga o Mauao, he pou herenga mōu, he pou hononga mōu, kia herea ki te tika, kia herea ki te pono. Kia mau, kia ita, kia ū – haumi e, hui e, tāiki e!

Te Tūranga | About the role

Help protect our environment and maintain one of the best wastewater networks in the country.

Inflow and infiltration is when rainwater or groundwater enters sewer pipes that are only meant to carry wastewater, which can lead to system overloads, flooding, and environmental pollution.  Imagine being the person who protects an entire city's wastewater infrastructure from being overwhelmed—not by sewage, but by this rainfall derived water that shouldn't be there.  If you're passionate about solving complex systems problems, leading meaningful change, and protecting communities, the I&I Program Manager role is a chance to make a measurable difference—every day.   As an I&I Program Manager, you become the detective, strategist, and innovator behind solving this invisible problem.

• Real-world impact: Every litre of water you keep out of the system by leading field investigations and rehabilitation programs saves money and protects the environment.
• Cross-disciplinary: Combines civil engineering, hydrology, data science, and project management, collaborating across specialists in our engineering, operations, and environmental teams
• Innovation-driven: Leverage smart sensors, AI, and predictive modelling and use data analytics, flow monitoring, and GIS mapping to pinpoint problem areas
• Leadership opportunity: Shape long-term infrastructure strategy and policy and drive cost-saving, sustainability, and resilience outcomes

We’re looking for a proactive and collaborative high performing Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) Program Manager to lead a key program focused on preventing and reducing stormwater and groundwater entering our wastewater system. This role is all about making a difference—working across teams, engaging with our community, and delivering smart solutions that support a healthier environment.

What you’ll be doing

· Building relationships across council teams to establish and lead a cross-functional project team that delivers a clear and effective I&I strategy.

· Engaging with mana whenua, contractors, internal teams, and customers.

· Managing the customer interface—communicating clearly, listening actively, and resolving issues on private property.

· Working closely with other council teams to spot emerging issues and trends early.

· Creating and improving systems and processes that help us maintain our high-performing network.

· Scoping and delivering I&I-related projects including flow monitoring, source detection, and network renewals.

· Making sure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard.

· Reporting on progress, risks, and performance to keep everyone informed.

· Using data to track performance and guide decision-making.

· Preparing annual and three-yearly performance reports.

Ngā Pukenga | What you’ll need to succeed

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

· A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Applied Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.

· 5–10 years of experience, including at least 5 years managing inflow and infiltration programs.

· Strong communication and engagement skills—you’re confident working with internal teams, contractors, and customers.

· Experience in project management, data analysis, and technical report writing.

· A proactive and solutions-focused mindset—you take initiative and look for better ways of doing things.

· Comfortable working with data and reporting tools to support decision-making.

· A collaborative approach—you work well with others and build strong relationships.

· Passion for continuous improvement and innovation.

Tō Tātou Kaunihera | About Tauranga City Council

At Tauranga City Council, our Waters Division plays a vital role in shaping the future of our city’s water infrastructure and services. Whether it's managing stormwater, improving freshwater systems, or delivering innovative solutions for water supply and wastewater, our team is at the forefront of protecting and enhancing Tauranga’s natural environment and community wellbeing.

We’re proud to be one of Tauranga’s largest employers, and we’re always looking for passionate, skilled professionals to join our collaborative and community-focused team. In the Waters Division, you’ll be part of a group that values technical excellence, teamwork, and making a real impact.

To support our people, we offer:

• Five weeks of annual leave
• Career development opportunities to help you achieve your professional goals
• A strong team culture where your contributions are valued and your wellbeing is supported

If you're ready to help shape the future of water in Tauranga, we’d love to hear from you.

Te Tukanga | How to apply

If you want to be part of an energetic, fun, and supportive team, then we'd love to hear from you. For more information, please contact Bryan Everitt at Bryan.everitt@tauranga.govt.nz

Please note we will not be accepting applications via email. If you wish to apply, please click ‘Apply’ at the bottom of this page and follow the link.

We’re reviewing applications as they come in, so don’t wait—this role may be filled before the closing date. Applications officially close on 30th September.

We’re committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those living with disabilities. If you need any support or adjustments to take part in our recruitment process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruitment@tauranga.govt.nz

· You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

· Tauranga City Council does not accept unsolicited contact or applications from recruitment agencies. We will not pay fees or commissions related to unsolicited contact.

Job Description: Inflow and Infiltration Program Manager