The company
Passionate, curious, and innovative are a few words that describe our people. We are powering the future, connecting communities, and igniting innovation. Orion owns and operates the electricity distribution network that provides power to central Canterbury. As the third largest electricity distribution network in New Zealand, we cover remote rural areas, regional towns, and the city of Christchurch.
We are an essential service and take our responsibilities seriously. We are community owned and working here means a career with meaning and purpose that makes a difference in your very own neighbourhood.
The role
Step into a role where you'll be at the centre of delivering complex, high-value network connections that power growing communities. As Contract Manager (non-standard) you'll take ownership of medium to large-scale projects primarily across subdivisions, working closely with customers, contractors and internal teams to bring new connections to life from concept through to completion.
This is a role that blends technical insight, commercial awareness and strong relationship management. You'll navigate complex connection requirements, lead problem-solving conversations and help shape practical solutions that balance customer needs with network capability.
With exposure to design, tendering and delivery, you'll play a key role in delivering infrastructure that enables growth and delivers lasting value.
Elevate delivery performance by redefining processes and driving smarter ways of working
Apply sharp technical judgement to navigate complexity and make high-impact decisions
Take ownership of outcomes while ensuring projects stay on track and deliver real results
Influence across the business to align priorities and drive seamless delivery
Anticipate challenges before they arise and proactively course-correct
Continuously raise the bar, challenging the status quo to unlock smarter and for efficient outcomes
About you
Depth of experience in a similar role or environment (infrastructure, energy, utilities or construction) with a New Zealand Electrical registration or equivalent
Strong commercial awareness, balancing customer needs with practical delivery outcomes
Build credibility quickly and influence others to align around the right path forward
Comfortable making decisions and working through ambiguity
Understanding of the NZ Regulatory environment, in particular the Electricity Authority - Code of Compliance
Have a solid understanding of how our network, standards, and processes come together
A high level of attention to detail and a customer centric approach
What they offer
You'll find at Orion, you can come as you are and just be you. You will be joining a workplace that values who you are, the work you do, and the way you think.
Importantly, we offer:
Flexible working arrangements, and flexible locations with our Head office in Burnside and satellite offices in Rolleston and Ferrymead
Three days of "My Days" leave
A broad range of workplace benefits from a wellbeing allowance to access to our holiday house in Hanmer!