General Manager

About the Role

Stratford District Council is recruiting for a General Manager - Water Services Business Unit to join the team.

This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for establishing and transitioning operations to a new in-house Water Services Business Unit. You will lead the initial scoping, preparation, establishment, and transition activities to achieve a successful go live of council's Water Services Business Unit by 1 July 2027.

You will develop and communicate a clear establishment strategy aligned with council's vision, form and manage a transition team, and coordinate internal and external expertise to ensure successful implementation. This includes creating foundational documents required under Local Water Done Well legislation, establishing systems and processes, and ensuring compliance with all legislative requirements.

You will also lead change management, build strong stakeholder relationships, and champion a culture of adaptability and resilience throughout the transition process.

This position is for 2 years fixed term, full time (40 hours per week) and will be located at the Stratford District Council, Miranda Street, Stratford.

About You

You will bring with you proven experience in strategic leadership within water services or a comparable utility or infrastructure sector, along with strong financial acumen and change management expertise.

You'll be someone who can inspire and lead a high-performing team, foster strong relationships with stakeholders including mana whenua, and navigate complex legislative and operational requirements with confidence. A post-graduate qualification in a relevant field or extensive comparable experience is essential, along with a strong professional reputation and a focus on delivering demonstrable results.

Stratford District Council is proud of our diverse and inclusive work environment, and our commitment to fostering genuine partnerships with Mana Whenua. Our preferred candidate will respect and acknowledge the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi to our mahi, and be open to the use of Te Ao Māori values and te reo Māori.

Why work with us?

Our staff will tell you the best thing about working here is the people, a great staff culture is important to us. We have a positive, energetic work environment with plenty of laughter. Our customers and our communities are at the centre of what we do, and our people are what makes it work. If you join us, you will also benefit from ongoing professional development, a flexible working policy, te reo learning assistance, regular health checks opportunities, subsidised pool visits, an active social club, and free car parking

About us

The Stratford District sits in the heart of the Taranaki region, and is the gateway to Taranaki Maunga and the famous Forgotten World Highway. Our district is home to stunning parks and gardens, and there are countless opportunities to explore the landscape, arts and culture and local history. Working in Stratford gives you the best of both worlds; the lifestyle benefits of living in the world-renowned Taranaki region, paired with a workplace that values work-life balance. As a staff member of Stratford District Council there's a lot to be proud of and we welcome you to be part of the experience.

Visit to submit your application. Only applications submitted via our website will be accepted.

Stratford District Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient, suitable applications are received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.