Head of Aquatics

Lead the strategic direction of Council’s aquatic services portfolio Shape safe, sustainable and high-performing facilities and services Senior leadership role delivering lasting community wellbeing outcomes Make a lasting impact on aquatic services across Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt. We’re looking for an experienced and commercially astute senior leader to provide strategic and operational leadership across Hutt City Council’s aquatic services portfolio. This is a significant leadership opportunity to shape the future of our aquatic facilities and services ensuring they are safe, compliant, financially sustainable and responsive to the needs of our community. About The Role Reporting to the Director Neighbourhoods & Communities and based at Te Ngaengae Pool + Fitness, you’ll lead a large and diverse aquatics business unit spanning multiple facilities, programmes and services. You’ll be responsible for balancing operational performance with long‑term strategic priorities, ensuring our aquatic services remain affordable for ratepayers and users while delivering strong participation, customer experience and community wellbeing outcomes. Key Areas Of Responsibility Include Setting the strategic direction for Council’s aquatic services and translating this into clear, achievable work programmes. Ensuring facilities, programmes and services meet all relevant safety, compliance and industry standards. Identifying sustainable operating models, revenue opportunities and ways to improve affordability and cost recovery. Leading, developing and supporting the Aquatics leadership team to deliver consistently high performance. Working closely with Asset and Facilities Management to guide asset planning, maintenance and investment. Monitoring participation, customer experience, programme delivery and financial performance to support informed decision‑making. Building strong relationships with elected members, community groups, industry partners and other key stakeholders. Championing continuous improvement, effective change management and a positive health, safety and wellbeing culture. About You You’ll be an experienced and credible leader who can confidently operate at both strategic and operational levels. You’ll bring strong business acumen, sound judgement and the ability to lead a complex, customer-focused service in a highly visible environment. To Succeed In This Role, You’ll Have A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in business, recreation or facility management. At least two years’ experience in aquatic facility management. Proven experience in business management and strategy development. Demonstrated success leading, motivating and developing large and diverse teams. Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting and performance reporting. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high‑quality Council papers. The ability to build trusted relationships and work effectively in a political and community‑focused environment. A proactive and resilient approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines. Experience in a senior recreation management role, managing multiple aquatic sites, and a Swimming Pool Water Treatment Certificate would be advantageous. About Us At Hutt City Council, our vision is to build a connected, resilient and inclusive city where all our people thrive. As connectors, creators and leaders, we support our neighbourhoods to become the architects of their future. This is an opportunity to lead a service that makes a meaningful difference to the health, safety and wellbeing of our community and to help ensure it remains sustainable for generations to come. Join us and play a defining role in the future of aquatic services across Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt. We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Applications close at 11.55pm on Thursday 6 August 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr