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
We're building a data driven, AI enabled procurement function that turns insights into commercial impact. If you're a digital specialist who can turn data into crisp insights, automate the boring, and pilot responsible GenAI, you'll thrive here.
We're transforming procurement from a traditional process approach into a data driven, innovative function. This role will help us use data, automation, and AI to make smarter decisions, improve sustainability, and manage risk — all while keeping things simple and practical.
We are looking for someone with a curious mindset to join us on a 12-month fixed term contract, who is passionate about data, AI, and turning insights into real commercial impact. You'll help shape how data and AI enable better decision making, smarter services and meaningful outcomes for us and your community. This is a rare opportunity to build capability from the ground up and see your work have real impact. If you're a data driven problem solver who loves improving how things work, we'd love to hear from you.
Turn complex procurement and supplier data into actionable insights that influence commercial decisions
Build dashboards, reports and models (Power BI and beyond) that support smarter category and supplier strategies
Explore and delivering AI and automation opportunities across sourcing, contracting and supplier management
Develop and maintain procurement data standards, quality frameworks and governance
Champion responsible AI adoption, including pilots, AI agents and governance practices
Coach and uplift the procurement team to become more data and AI confident
About you
Confident working with data and tools such as Power BI (ideal), SQL or Python, with a focus on solving real business problems and analytical skills
Solid understanding of procurement, supply chain or commercial environments and how effective decisions are made
A structured, commercially minded approach that prioritises outcomes over analysis for analysis' sake
Genuine curiosity about AI and emerging technologies, with enthusiasm for applying them responsibly in practical settings
Ability to translate complex data into clear, compelling stories that influence decision-making
Strong relationship-building skills, with a collaborative style and commitment to ethical, secure use of AI
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!