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 looking for a Programme Manager (Distribution) to lead the programming, design coordination and delivery support of critical distribution works across our network. Working closely with teams across engineering, delivery, asset management, procurement, and external stakeholders, you'll play a key role in bringing important infrastructure projects to life.
From network reinforcement and replacement works through to undergrounding, relocations, and growth-related projects, this is a varied and fast-moving role where no two days look the same.
It's a great opportunity for someone who enjoys technical problem solving, building strong relationships and helping keep major infrastructure projects progressing smoothly and successfully.
Lead the scoping, design coordination, and delivery support of critical distribution network projects across our network
Manage replacement, reinforcement, undergrounding, relocation, and growth-related infrastructure works from concept through to completion
Support delivery teams throughout the full project lifecycle, ensuring projects meet scope, budget, timeline, and quality expectations
Build strong relationships with councils, utilities, contractors, developers, and internal teams to keep projects progressing effectively
Provide technical advice and coordination across a broad range of distribution projects and network improvement initiatives
Contribute to asset management, continuous improvement, and safe delivery outcomes that support our future network needs
About you
Experience within the electricity distribution, utilities, or infrastructure sector, with a strong understanding of network environments
Strong technical knowledge of distribution assets, particularly switchgear, transformers and cables
NZ Diploma in Engineering Level 6, or equivalent practical industry experience
Proven programme, project, or technical coordination experience managing complex works and competing priorities
Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively across stakeholder groups with a continuous improvement mindset
Confident communicator and problem solver who can navigate fast-paced environments and keep projects progressing
Understanding of modern asset management practices, with experience using network, asset, or GIS-related systems
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!
You might be surprised to find out that the company that brings the power to your home is innovative, inclusive, progressive, and quite good fun.