Head of Human Resources

Central South Island Water is a newly established joint water services organisation bringing together the water services of Timaru and Mackenzie District Councils. As the organisation moves through establishment and towards full operations, there is a unique opportunity to create the people systems, practices and culture that will support its vision and future success.

Based in Timaru or Fairlie, we are looking for an experienced and pragmatic Head of Human Resources to lead this work. Interested?

The opportunity Reporting initially to the Interim Chief Executive, and subsequently to the General Manager Corporate Services, the Head of Human Resources will take the lead in establishing the HR function for Central South Island Water.

This is a genuine build opportunity. You will develop and implement the frameworks, systems, policies and processes needed to support a new organisation and its workforce – spanning recruitment and onboarding, remuneration, performance and development, employment relations, workforce planning and employee experience.

As Central South Island Water transitions from establishment into business-as-usual operations, your focus will evolve to leading a responsive, commercially minded and trusted HR function that enables leaders and people to perform at their best.

About youYou will be an experienced senior HR practitioner who is equally comfortable designing the framework and rolling up your sleeves to make it happen.

You will bring:

• Broad senior-level HR generalist experience and strong knowledge of New Zealand employment practice.
• Experience developing and implementing HR frameworks, systems, policies and processes.
• Capability across employment relations, remuneration, performance, learning and development, recruitment and workforce planning.
• Experience supporting organisational change, establishment or workforce transition.
• Sound judgement and the credibility to advise and influence senior leaders.
• A practical, collaborative approach and the ability to operate effectively in an evolving environment.

Most importantly, you will enjoy creating something new. You will see the opportunity in a blank sheet of paper and know how to turn good thinking into simple, effective people practices that work.

Why Central South Island Water?Few HR leadership opportunities offer the chance to influence an organisation so early in its journey.

You will have the opportunity to shape how Central South Island Water attracts, develops, supports and engages its people, while helping establish an organisation responsible for delivering essential infrastructure and services to communities across South Canterbury.

This is an opportunity to build something that lasts – and to play an important part in the establishment and future success of Central South Island Water. Keen to find out more?

How to apply To discover more about Central South Island Water Limited, www.timaru.govt.nz and www.mackenzie.govt.nz

For a confidential discussion about the role; contact Lisa Edwards by either [email protected] or M: 021 240 4410

Applications close: Wednesday 2nd September 2026