Project Manager

Experienced Project Manager – Shape the future of electricity distribution with Waipā Networks.

Are you an experienced Project Manager with a passion for delivering high voltage distribution projects?  Waipā Networks is looking for someone like you to lead our upcoming projects that will enable continued growth of one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions.

Whether you’re considering a move to the Waipā region or seeking a fresh challenge, joining Waipā Networks as a Project Manager will put you at the heart of a rapidly expanding electricity network with exciting new opportunities on the horizon.

Why Waipā Networks?

We own and operate the electricity network serving Cambridge, Te Awamutu, and the surrounding region. We’re 100% owned by the Waipā Networks Trust, serving more than 40,000 customers across a dynamic mix of rural, urban, and industrial landscapes. As one of New Zealand’s most rapidly growing districts, our network is expanding to meet demand – and we have a pipeline of exciting utilities projects lined up to support that growth.

If you’re ready to take on a critical role in a thriving industry and work on projects that shape the future of electricity distribution, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Waipā Networks’ key benefits:

• Excellent career development
• Competitive remuneration
• Flexible working arrangements
• The ability to purchase additional annual leave
• Fully covered health insurance cover for you and your family
• Fully covered insurance cover, equivalent to twice your base annual salary.

The role of a Project Manager

As an experienced Project Manager, you’ll play a crucial role in successfully delivering customer-initiated works (CIW) and network projects. You’ll manage projects through all phases, ensuring they’re completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard, all while keeping safety and compliance at the forefront. Your strong technical skills and background in managing projects will be essential as you take the lead on a variety of complex initiatives.

You’ll be the main contact for internal and external stakeholders, managing customer (and network) expectations and maintaining clear communication throughout the project lifecycle. Your responsibilities will include coordination across the organisation to ensure successful project execution.

Your role will be pivotal in managing the successful outcome for all project deliverables including health and safety, finance, commercial and contractual management, and providing regular updates to all parties involved. You’ll ensure compliance with safety standards, regulations, and company procedures while creating a culture of continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities:

• You will serve as the main contact for external CIW and network projects
• Coordinate project scoping, estimation, and detailed design with our Network Design team, ensuring material procurement follows company procedures
• Oversee scheduling and execution of project activities, including HV outages, switching instructions, traffic management, and cable locations
• Proactively manage project health and safety, addressing incidents or risks and ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations
• Complete project documentation accurately, including as-builts and invoicing, while maintaining comprehensive project records
• Monitor and control project costs, forecast cashflows, manage variations and invoicing and address variances with the Project Delivery Manager
• Ensure external project providers are properly inducted, managed, and compliant with documentation, contracts, and HSEQ reporting
• Collaborate with the Delivery Operations team for scheduling and resource management and maintain effective communication with all stakeholders.

About you

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in project management, with a strong technical background
• Experience in one or more of the following electricity sectors: distribution, transmission, or generation, with distribution being highly desirable
• A solid understanding of project financial management, including estimation, forecasting, and cost control
• Experience with project management tools – Microsoft Project experience would be advantageous
• A proactive, hands-on leader with a problem-solving mindset, capable of working across teams and building strong relationships
• Passionate about the electricity sector and ready to lead projects in a region experiencing rapid growth.

Application process

We run a structured recruitment process, including pre-employment vetting. To apply, you must have the right to work permanently in New Zealand without restrictions and be currently in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Join us at Waipā Networks and be a part of something remarkable.