Principal Project Manager - Aquatics

• Exposure to region-wide, high-profile aquatic developments
• The opportunity to influence long-term aquatic capital investment
• A supportive, specialist environment that values expertise, leadership, and continuous improvement

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Council has a rare opportunity for a highly experienced Principal Project Manager - Aquatics to join our Project Specialisation Office (PSO) within Parks & Community Facilities.

This is a senior specialist role where you’ll act as the subject matter expert (SME) for swimming pools and aquatic facilities across the region, contributing to the successful delivery of high-profile new builds and complex capital renewals projects.

As part of the Project Specialisation Office, you’ll provide expert technical leadership across a diverse aquatic portfolio, including:

• Swimming pools and aquatic centres
• Water retaining structures
• Specialist aquatic surfaces
• Complex mechanical and electrical plant
• Specialist aquatic furniture and fittings

Working closely with the Regional Aquatic Facilities Manager, you’ll:

• Provide subject matter expertise in the development of the rolling three-year Aquatic Capital Works Delivery Programme
• Provide specialist advice, mentoring, and coaching to other aquatic specialists within the PSO and wider project delivery teams
• Set and influence best practice standards for aquatic project delivery across Auckland Council

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape Auckland’s aquatic infrastructure and ensure facilities are safe, sustainable, and future-focussed for our communities.

He kōrero mōu: About you

You’re a senior project professional with deep technical expertise in aquatic facilities and capital works delivery. You’ll bring:

• Significant experience delivering capital works building projects, ideally in complex or public-sector environments
• Extensive experience in swimming pool and aquatic centre project delivery, including application of NZS 4441:2008 – Swimming Pool Design
• A tertiary qualification in Engineering, Architecture or equivalent
• Qualifications in programme and/or project management (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent)

You’re well organised, able to plan and prioritise effectively, and comfortable operating in environments with ambiguity while managing multiple complex projects concurrently.

You’ll also demonstrate:

• A collaborative approach and strong relationship-management skills
• A clear customer service mindset
• A strong sense of ownership, accountability, and pride in delivering quality outcomes

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

The Project Specialisation Office brings together technical experts who deliver complex, high-value projects that matter to Aucklanders.

In this role, you’ll benefit from:

• Exposure to region-wide, high-profile aquatic developments
• The opportunity to influence long-term aquatic capital investment
• A supportive, specialist environment that values expertise, leadership, and continuous improvement

Please use this link to view a copy of the position description.

Applications close Sunday, 15th February 2026

This role is deemed safety sensitive and, in line with Auckland Council policy, you will be required to complete pre-employment drug & alcohol testing.

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.