Director

WasteNet Southland is a shared solid waste service for Gore District Council, Invercargill City Council and Southland District Council. Its purpose is to enable the co-ordinated delivery of solid waste services across the Southland region in support of the Councils’ sustainability objectives.

WasteNet works towards a zero-waste future through effective education, waste prevention, minimisation and responsible resource stewardship. By bringing together regional planning, collaboration and service alignment, WasteNet plays a central role in shaping the future of waste services for Southland.

Are you ready to champion this collaborative regional model and play a central role in advancing Southland’s sustainability vision?

Reporting to the WasteNet Governance Group, the WasteNet Director provides strategic leadership and overall oversight of waste management and minimisation services across the region. This role is responsible for setting direction, facilitating change and ensuring that WasteNet’s strategy is effectively implemented through aligned programmes, partnerships and service delivery models.

The Director acts as the key link between governance, councils, service partners and the wider community – ensuring clarity of purpose, alignment of priorities and momentum towards shared outcomes.

Core objectives for this role include:

• Providing strategic leadership and oversight of WasteNet’s regional waste and minimisation programmes.
• Identifying industry trends, innovations and best practice to inform policy, guide investment and support long-term outcomes.
• Working with external service providers and councils to support effective, efficient and compliant service delivery.
• Coaching and developing the WasteNet team, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Ensuring sound financial management, budget oversight and reporting in line with Council requirements.
• Acting as WasteNet’s subject matter expert on solid waste and waste minimisation services.
• Reporting to, and actively participating in, WasteNet Governance Group meetings.
• Building strong, credible relationships across Councils, the sector, iwi, community stakeholders and industry partners.

You will bring a relevant tertiary qualification and a background in waste, infrastructure, environmental services or a related sector, ideally with experience in or alongside a local government environment.

You are comfortable operating at a senior strategic level, with the ability to translate direction into outcomes through others. You will be experienced in working with multiple stakeholders, external service partners and governance groups, and confident navigating complexity to achieve consensus.

Your leadership style is collaborative and enabling, supported by sound commercial judgement and a strong sense of accountability. You are a credible communicator who can build trust, influence outcomes and lead change. Your understanding of national and global trends, combined with a progressive mindset, will allow you to position WasteNet for the future.

Waihōpai Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost city, lies in the heart of Southland. With a strong sense of community, affordable housing, excellent schooling and facilities, and an easy commute, it offers an outstanding lifestyle and family environment.

To discover more about WasteNet, visit http://www.wastenet.org.nz/

For a confidential discussion about the role, contact Lisa Edwards, 021 240 4410.