Customer Initiated Works Manager

About PowerNet

We are New Zealand’s fourth largest electricity network company managing four electricity networks across the diverse and spectacular lower South Island. We pride ourselves on delivering safe, efficient, and reliable power to southern communities and our customer initiated works team will be pivitol in ensuring our customer’s experience is positive and timely responses provided throughout their interaction.

About the Role

At PowerNet, we're preparing for the future of energy. Electrification, distributed generation, EV charging, decarbonisation, network growth, and changing customer expectations are transforming the way electricity distribution businesses operate. To support this evolution, we're creating a new leadership opportunity that will play a critical role in shaping how our customers engage with PowerNet.

Reporting to the General Manager Networks, you will lead a team responsible for the end-to-end delivery of customer-initiated works, while driving exceptional customer outcomes, commercial performance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

This is much more than a project delivery role; it combines strategic leadership with operational excellence. You will act as the voice of the customer across the business, bringing together engineering, operations, planning, contractors, developers, regulators, and customers to deliver customer-focused solutions. You'll play a key role in improving customer experiences, streamlining connection processes, and ensuring PowerNet is ready for the rapidly changing energy landscape

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing a high-performing customer initiated works team.
• Driving a customer-centric culture
• Owning and improving the end-to-end customer journey.
• Managing a diverse portfolio of customer connections, network alterations, distributed generation, and customer-funded projects
• Overseeing commercial performance, budgeting, forecasting, pricing, and contract management.
• Building strong relationships with customers, developers, contractors, consultants, and industry stakeholders.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory obligations and industry standards.
• Leading transformation, continuous improvement, and adoption of new ways of working
• Providing executive level reporting.
• Supporting business transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Providing leadership across safety, performance, and operational excellence.

What you will need to succeed

We're looking for a proven people leader who can balance customer expectations, operational delivery, and commercial outcomes. You will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in Business, Commerce, Management, Customer Experience, or a related field.
• Proven success leading customer-facing operational teams and building customer-centric cultures.
• Significant leadership experience in utilities, infrastructure, telecommunications, construction, energy, or similar industries
• Demonstrated success improving customer experience, service delivery performance, and business outcomes.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, contract management, and cost recovery
• Experience managing programmes, projects, or operational portfolios involving multiple stakeholders and delivery partners.
• Exceptional relationship management, communication, and influencing skills.
• The ability to lead through change, drive continuous improvement, and inspire high performance.

While not essential experience within the electricity sector and knowledge of customer connection processes, distributed energy resources, electrification, and industry regulatory requirements would be a distinct advantage.

Making the move to Southland

In Southland, time feels more generous. With fewer than 100,000 people and over 3.1 million hectares - 12% of New Zealand’s total land area - you’ll have the space to explore, dream, and create. Our communities are close-knit, stable and welcoming. We support each other and work together for the common good.

New Zealand’s southernmost city, Invercargill, is an excellent base for exploring the diverse beauty of the southern region. The city is a boat ride from beautiful Stewart Island and a few hours’ drive from the adventures that await in the Southern Lakes area.

Our streets are safe, our education is top-notch, and the cost of living is affordable. Owning a home is within reach, and you won't waste precious time sitting in traffic. Our sporting, cultural, and community facilities are unmatched, providing endless opportunities to connect with others and pursue your passions.

If you are keen to make the move to Southland – relocation assistance may be considered for the right candidate.

How to apply

If you're passionate about leading people, improving customer experiences, and making a real impact, we'd love to hear from you!

Applications close 5.00 pm Wednesday 7 October 2026

Interviews with suitable candidates may commence prior to the closing date so don’t delay apply today by visiting our website at www.powernet.co.nz/careers/

Please note to be considered for this role you will need to be in New Zealand and have current work rights.

Here at PowerNet our people are our most valuable asset. We are committed to providing a caring team environment, a balanced approach to work and personal life, while encouraging professional and personal growth for everyone. We are an equal opportunity employer who celebrates diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.