Based in North Canterbury
About the role:
The Head of Project Delivery develops, applies and maintains the project management framework and builds and leads the project delivery team. You will oversee the full project lifecycle for MainPower’s Major Projects and Network Reinforcement programme, turning the Asset Management Plan into an integrated, achievable delivery plan that meets health and safety, quality, time and budget requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop, implement and continuously improve a professional project management framework aligned with PRINCE2, PMI or relevant standards, including stage gates, governance, roles and templates
Work with the Network team to translate the Asset Management Plan into an integrated, resourced multi-year delivery plan, and deliver the Major Projects and Network Reinforcement portfolio to agreed scope, time, cost and quality
Build, lead and mentor a high-performing project delivery team, including a competency framework and development pathways for project managers
Provide transparent governance and unified portfolio reporting to the Executive, Steering Committees and Board, and manage project risks and issues
Oversee budgets, forecasting and procurement, and manage contractor performance under NZS 3910 or equivalent contracts
Build trusted relationships with contractors, landowners, iwi, Transpower, territorial authorities and the community, and champion a strong health and safety culture
About you:
You are a strategic, collaborative leader who builds high-performing teams and brings a safety-first mindset. You are an excellent communicator who can influence stakeholders at all levels, from contractors and landowners to the Executive and Board, and you have the commercial judgement to deliver complex capital programmes with discipline.
Additionally, you will bring:
10+ years’ project management experience in the infrastructure sector, ideally with five years in a senior role leading project managers or a project management office
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, project management, construction management, business administration or a related field is desirable
Proven experience designing and embedding project management frameworks, governance and reporting
Experience managing complex, high-value capital programmes; electricity distribution, transmission or wider utilities experience is highly desirable
Strong financial and commercial acumen, including contract management under NZS 3910 or equivalent
Working knowledge of New Zealand consenting and land access processes
PRINCE2 Practitioner or equivalent certification preferred
MainPower requires all successful applicants to complete a pre-employment drug test.
To apply for this position, you must have New Zealand residency or a valid New Zealand work visa.
What’s in it for you:
We value and support our employees through a community‑focused work environment and provide access to a wide range of wellbeing and development benefits:
Nine-Day Fortnight Option
Subsidised Health Insurance
Subsidised Gym Membership
Professional Development
Recognition Programmes
Why work for us:
Our people are critical in ensuring that we deliver on our vision. At MainPower, we deliver value by providing a safe, secure, and reliable electricity distribution network for our local community. We are committed to developing a strong workplace culture where people are supported, empowered, and provided the tools required to deliver in their roles. Our values reflect how we interact with each other, our community, and our customers.
How to apply:
We assess applications as they are received so click” Apply” to submit your application today.
Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways—not just candidates who check all the boxes. Please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this role and how you believe you can contribute to our team.
MainPower welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. We are proud to have a diverse and inclusive environment and are committed to providing opportunities for all our people.
To download the position description please click here.