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
The Customer Initiated Works team has been established to create a single view of all customer initiated work, support alignment with regulatory requirements, improve consistency of our customers experience and strengthen accountabilities for customer outcomes. The Customer Initiated Works Manager will provide leadership to the team, focusing on improving operational efficiency, strengthening customer focused delivery and increasing project delivery effectiveness.
This role combines strategic leadership with operational excellence. You’ll work closely with customers, contractors, developers, consultants, internal engineering and operational teams, and other key stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with customer expectations.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and developing a high-performing customer initiated works team.
- Driving a customer-centric culture and continuously improving the end-to-end customer journey.
- Managing a diverse portfolio of customer connection and network 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.
- 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.
- Significant leadership experience
- A track record of leading customer-facing operational teams and improving customer experience outcomes.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen.
- 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.
What PowerNet Offers
At PowerNet, we’re proud to offer more than just a job — we provide a workplace built on trust, teamwork, and genuine support. Your development and wellbeing matter here, and your contribution will be recognised and valued.
Join us and enjoy:
- Competitive remuneration
- 5 weeks of annual leave each year
- Fully subsidised Southern Cross health insurance with discounted rates for family
- Death & Disability Insurance
- A comprehensive health & wellbeing programme
- A supportive work environment with professional development opportunities
- Relocation Benefits
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.