This organisation is a new joint Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) for Hamilton City Council (HCC) and Waikato District Council (WDC) that will take over the provision of water services from 1 July 2026. This transition will occur in stages such as the current Watercare contract for Waikato District Council transferring to the CCO on 1 July 2026, with staff moving over in 2028.
Job Description
He angituutanga: The opportunity
In the Chief Digital Officer role, you will oversee the creation, integration and use of new systems and platforms, and information, data, and business intelligence for this new CCO.
The prime focus of this role will be preparing for a new digital and operating technology environment from 2028, overseeing the development of the new end-state digital and operating technology strategy, developing the business case for the transition to end-state, and implementing the transition to end-state for 2028.
The role will have responsibility for a strong relationship with both Councils and Watercare to drive value and performance from any interim shared services arrangement and governance.
Responsibility for the establishment of digital services and operating technology for Day 1 (1 July 2026) and the operation of digital platforms and systems between 2026 and 2028 will remain the responsibility of the two councils and Watercare under shared services and contractual arrangements.
You will look for opportunities where the use of technology can become more efficient, or where there may be challenges in the future. You will also look over the development, integration, delivery, and support of applications.
Qualifications
Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience
- Tertiary qualifications in a related field such as Information Systems, computer science or similar.
- Extensive experience overseeing the digital or technology areas of an organization – ideally in a utility operator.
- Extensive experience overseeing the operational technology areas of an organization – ideally in a utility operator.
- In-depth understanding and working knowledge of project management methodologies, change management, IT operations and delivery methodologies and processes.
- Senior experience at building and leading technical teams
- Proven experience developing and leading financial plans and operational budgets.
- In depth planning experience with a strong future strategic focus.
- Extensive relationship, client, and/or people management experience
- Experience building effective relationships externally and internally
- Experienced at developing and leading change initiatives as well as embracing change.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Culturally inclusive leadership which respects and values all our people, customers, and stakeholders.
- A high level of emotional intelligence. Is a visible and accessible leader.
- Innovative thinker.
- Strong influencing skills.
- Experience in the setup of new digital functions is essential.
- Experience with Local Authority specific IT applications, water services and solutions preferred.
Additional Information
He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary?
Dependent on skills and experience.
Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now!
- View the position description.
- Click apply
- Complete your application.
If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.
Applications close on the: 17/06/2025
Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.
Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.
All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here
It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.
As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.
This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.