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
As Control Centre Manager, you'll lead and empower a 24/7 operational team at the heart of our essential service making confident, real-time decisions that keep communities safe, connected and supported. You'll bring calm, trusted leadership to complex operational and emergency situations, while creating an environment where people feel supported, capable and confident to step up when it matters most.
A key part of this role is growing people and building ownership. You'll coach and develop your team, encourage sound judgement and accountability, and create clear pathways for learning and continuous improvement. Working closely with operational partners, you'll enable your people to deliver reliable service around the clock — strengthening how the network responds, recovers and improves for customers and communities.
Translate organisational strategy into clear operational direction that guides how our Control Centre plans, operates and makes decisions
Lead, coach and develop a high-performing Control Centre team while building a strong culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement
Plan, manage and monitor capex and opex budgets to support a safe, reliable and sustainable operations team
Lead emergency preparedness by keeping plans, documentation and information current so the team is ready when it matters most
Work closely with teams across the business to deliver a coordinated, responsive and customer-focused 24/7 service
Stay connected to industry trends, best practice and emerging technologies to drive innovation and ongoing improvement
About you
A proven leader with significant experience leading the operation of electrical distribution or transmission networks in complex environments
Experience in developing capability, setting expectations and leading teams in safety-critical operations
Solid understanding of real-time network control, fault response and emergency management at a system level
Sound judgement and the ability to make confident and calm, risk-based decisions under pressure
Relevant Level 6 electrical qualification or equivalent depth of industry experience
Influential communicator with the ability to engage effectively with technical specialists, leaders and external stakeholders
Strong strategic thinking, planning and accountability, with safety, customers and resilience as your core priorities
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 our holiday house in Hanmer!