Manager - CAPEX

Role overview

Wellington Electricity is seeking a newly established Manager - CAPEX to report to the General Manager - Service Delivery. This position offers the chance to lead a substantial and technically complex capital delivery programme at a time when the company is making major investments in its network. The business has also introduced a refreshed delivery approach to improve planning clarity, coordination, and delivery efficiency across a larger pipeline of work.

In this role, you will help embed and bring to life an important organisational change that is designed to create long-term value for customers now and in the future.

What the role covers

You will oversee a capital works programme supported by 5 direct reports and 16 indirect reports. The portfolio includes Complex Projects, Network Integrity and Reinforcement Projects, Exclusive CAPEX Projects, and Customer Initiated Works.

Working within an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction model, you will ensure projects are properly defined, scheduled, and completed on time and within budget, while actively managing risk and providing technical input across the full project lifecycle.

Partnering closely with service providers, you will lead delivery of the 24-month capital programme and guide its strategic execution. This includes coaching Engineering Delivery Managers, monitoring programme performance, reporting progress, managing tenders and service agreements, applying approved delivery methodologies, maintaining strong health and safety standards, resolving incidents, and leading quality audits.

You will also work with internal and external stakeholders, contribute to the wider Service Delivery Leadership Team, ensure workstreams have the right resources, and identify ways to improve how the team operates.

About the employer

Wellington Electricity has been serving homes, businesses, and communities in the Wellington region since 2008 and is recognised as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most dependable lines companies. Its purpose is to own and operate a sustainably profitable electricity distribution business that delivers a safe, reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality energy network for customers.

The company supports a wide range of customers, including government agencies, major infrastructure organisations, and customers with high network security requirements. With a new purpose-built office in Upper Hutt and substantial investment underway in the network, this is a compelling time to join the organisation.

What the employer is looking for

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished leader from the distribution, transmission, or generation sector, with strong project and/or engineering delivery experience. You should be comfortable contributing in technical forums and influencing both peers and senior leaders.

You will be able to balance strategic programme leadership with hands-on engineering and construction management when needed, and you should have strong capability in managing performance across complex programmes, including output, cost, quality, and risk.

Experience in building, developing, and supporting teams is important, along with a track record of leading change and managing third-party providers effectively. A tertiary qualification in Electrical Engineering is essential, while a formal project management qualification such as PRINCE2 or PMP would be an advantage.

Benefits and package

A competitive remuneration package is available, together with annual bonus, life and trauma insurance, income protection, well-being initiatives, and relocation support if required.

Application notes

Shortlisted candidates will receive a position description and further details. A confidential discussion about the role is also available through the recruiting contact provided in the source.