Commercial Manager and Performance Manager

Waikato Waters is a brand-new, publicly owned water utility bringing together water and wastewater services across the Waikato region - built from the ground up to deliver for communities today and for generations to come.

The role:
This role will lead commercial strategy, business partnering and commercial performance functions.  We are seeking an experienced Commercial and Performance Manager who can provide financial insight and strategic decision support, with responsibility for pricing, contract management, financial modelling and commercial risk.  This is enterprise wide within a complex, purpose-driven organisation delivering essential services to communities.

This is a senior leadership role working closely with the Executive Team, providing insight, challenge and direction to ensure strong commercial outcomes, disciplined investment decisions, and sustainable organisational performance.

What you’ll do:

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will:

• Lead the organisation’s commercial strategy across pricing, revenue, and growth initiatives, including the financial and commercial assessment of strategic priorities, major projects and investment decisions.
• Drive financial performance and commercial outcomes through strong business advisory and strategic commercial and financial insight to Executive leaders.
• Oversee high-value procurement and major business cases.
• Ensure robust financial modelling and commercial risk management across contracts, suppliers and revenue.
• Build and lead a high-performing Finance Business Partnering function, ensuring high quality financial advice, challenge and decision support across the organisation.

This role sits at the centre of decision-making and will enable confident, well-informed commercial decisions that support long-term value.  This is a visible role both in external negotiations and at the Board level.

What you’ll bring:

• Robust and senior level commercial management, commercial finance or business development experience advising at the Executive level.
• Strong financial modelling, forecasting and analytical capability.
• Experience managing complex contracts and high-value procurement.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to identify and assess commercial and financial risks and opportunities.
• Confidence providing commercial challenge and advice to senior leadership.
• Experience in complex environments is essential; utilities, infrastructure, or other regulated environment is desirable.
• A willingness to roll up your sleeves and help the organisation meet its long‑term objectives, with the resilience to navigate uncertainty and adapt as priorities evolve.

Why join us:
Waikato Waters is being built once and you’d be part of that. He waka eke noa, we are all in this together. The work is real, the impact is visible, and the team we’re assembling is genuinely exceptional. We offer competitive remuneration, health insurance, and hybrid working where the role allows. To learn more about Waikato Waters visit: www.waikatowaters.co.nz

For a confidential conversation please call Kim Hawkes 021 1927 990 for additional details or please apply online with your up to date CV.