Project Manager

About the Company

Contact Energy Ltd is dedicated to supporting New Zealand's journey toward a low-carbon future by managing key renewable energy assets. The South Island Hydro Projects team plays a vital role in maintaining and improving some of the country's most significant hydro generation infrastructure, such as the Clutha hydro scheme. The company encourages collaboration, innovation, and a strong community lifestyle in scenic Central Otago.

Role Overview

As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing a portfolio of generation projects, guiding them from planning and approval stages through to execution and delivery. Your role will involve coordinating engineers, contractors, and operations teams to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and add sustainable long-term value. You'll manage complex infrastructure upgrades, outages, and navigate commercial and regulatory demands while fostering strong relationships and mitigating risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple generation projects end-to-end, ensuring safety, efficiency, and alignment with company goals.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, contractors, operational staff, and stakeholders.
• Make informed decisions to maintain project momentum despite competing priorities.
• Drive continuous improvements in project delivery practices and mentor team members.
• Contribute to shaping project management frameworks across the renewable generation portfolio.

Candidate Profile

You are a seasoned project leader experienced in handling large-scale infrastructure or energy projects. You excel at uniting diverse teams, resolving challenges creatively, and earning trust quickly. Your strong commercial acumen, sound judgment, and safety focus support your commitment to quality outcomes. An engineering degree combined with extensive project leadership in infrastructure, utilities, energy, or related sectors is preferred. Proficiency in project management software such as MS Project or Primavera is important. Experience in regulated industries, programme management, and mentoring are advantageous but not mandatory. We value diverse backgrounds and potential as much as direct experience.

Additional Information and Benefits

Contact Energy supports employee wellbeing with flexible working options, comprehensive health services including on-site assistance and access to confidential counseling, wellness payments, and financial discounts for customers. Other benefits include KiwiSaver contributions, community leave, professional development through Contact University, and a welcoming workplace culture that embraces diversity and inclusion.

Application Conditions

Applicants must have legal entitlement to live and work in New Zealand. The company encourages applications from all backgrounds and embraces diversity in hiring to foster a supportive environment. Recruitment agencies must have formal agreements to submit candidates.