People & Capability Lead
- Generalist HR and Organisational Development
- Provide practical HR support across the employee lifecycle
- Canterbury | Rolleston Based
Shape the future of water services in Waikirikiri Selwyn
Water is one of our most valuable assets, and how we manage it today will shape our future. Safe, reliable and resilient water services are essential to the wellbeing of our communities, now and for future generations.
Selwyn Water is a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) responsible for delivering drinking water and wastewater services across Waikirikiri Selwyn. We bring together specialist expertise and a long-term focus to support a growing district and deliver the water services our communities rely on.
We’re a highly committed team working in a dynamic and agile environment, building Selwyn Water for the future. As our organisation grows and evolves, our people have the opportunity to help shape how we work and the services we deliver.
We have a strong vision for the future of Selwyn Water and are focused on delivering safe, reliable and affordable services and doing the best for our communities.
For more information go to: www.selwynwater.co.nz
The Role
Based in Rolleston, approximately 20 minutes from Christchurch, and reporting to the Director Organisational Enablement, the People & Capability Lead is responsible for leading two key areas: generalist HR support across the employee lifecycle and organisational development.
As a member of the Organisational Enablement Group, you will deliver practical, responsive and trusted generalist HR advice and support to leaders and employees across the full employee lifecycle.
Alongside this, you will lead organisational development initiatives that strengthen leadership capability, organisational culture, employee engagement, performance and change readiness as Selwyn Water continues to grow.
This is a hands-on role with ownership of generalist HR and organisational development. You will provide practical HR support across core employee lifecycle activities including recruitment, onboarding, performance, development, remuneration, employment relations and engagement, with support from the People & Safety Coordinator, while also implementing frameworks, programmes and initiatives that build organisational capability.
Skills and Experience
You will bring broad HR business partnering experience, with particular strength in generalist HR delivery and organisational development, along with the confidence to operate strategically while delivering practical, high-quality people solutions.
You will also bring:
- At least seven years’ experience in a senior HR advisory, HR business partner or comparable people leadership role
- Strong generalist HR experience across the full employee lifecycle, including workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, performance, remuneration, learning and development, employee engagement and employment relations
- Demonstrated experience designing and delivering organisational development initiatives, including capability, leadership, culture, engagement and change programmes
- Experience leading, coaching or supporting a coordinator or people support role, with the ability to build capability and provide clear direction
- Sound knowledge of New Zealand employment law, HR practice and complex employment relations processes
- Strong coaching, facilitation, influencing and relationship-building skills
- Experience supporting organisational change and applying recognised change management approaches
- A relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Organisational Psychology or a related field
- A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and bicultural capability development
Experience in local government, utilities, public sector environments or establishing an HR function in a new or growing organisation would be advantageous.
The opportunity
This is a unique opportunity to build and shape the people foundations of a newly established water services organisation. You will influence culture, capability, leadership and engagement from the ground up, supporting Selwyn Water to build the workforce and ways of working needed to serve Selwyn’s communities for generations to come.
To apply, please prepare your cover letter and CV and click the ‘Apply’ button. Confidential initial inquiries are welcome by emailing [email protected].
Applications for this role close 5.00pm on 28 October 2026.