Project Investigations Group Manager

About Transpower New Zealand

Transpower New Zealand is dedicated to enabling a net-zero carbon economy by managing a secure, reliable electricity system at the heart of the nation's power grid. Unique among electricity organizations, Transpower oversees grid ownership, system operations, renewable energy integration, and HVDC transmission throughout New Zealand.

Our Grid Delivery division ensures the National Grid remains safe, resilient, and aligned to evolving electricity demands. It integrates operational, maintenance, planning, engineering, and program delivery tasks, collaborating across regions, customers, and service providers to uphold asset performance and operational safety.

Role Overview

We are seeking a leader to head our Project Investigations group. This role involves advancing the systems and frameworks that transform investment intentions into project-ready initiatives. You will guide the establishment of consistent project investigation standards, govern delivery disciplines, and coordinate resource planning to ensure seamless alignment with broader infrastructure projects and organizational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and refinement of project investigation practices, standards, quality assurance processes, and governance controls.
• Manage capability building, workforce planning, and resource deployment to enhance leadership depth and professional standards within the team.
• Coordinate the integration of project investigation activities with project delivery, engineering, and investment strategies.
• Implement continuous improvement mechanisms using delivery insights, lessons learned, and industry best practices to foster safety, efficiency, and predictability.
• Oversee governance frameworks including stage-gate reviews and performance monitoring to identify improvement needs.
• Maintain stewardship of the operating model by defining roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes as Grid Delivery evolves.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned senior leader with extensive experience in managing complex projects or programs in infrastructure or asset-heavy industries. They will demonstrate commercial acumen, collaborative leadership skills, and a track record of capability enhancement and performance improvement. Commitment to health, safety, and fostering an inclusive, development-focused culture is essential.

Requirements

• Senior leadership experience overseeing project management, program management, project investigation, or infrastructure delivery with responsibility for other leaders or specialized teams.
• Proven expertise in building team capability, defining accountability structures, and strategic workforce planning.
• Experience in establishing or improving project investigation methods, assurance frameworks, stage-gate protocols, or operating models.
• Strong commercial judgment and ability to influence senior stakeholders across multiple internal and external groups.
• Competency in using performance data and lessons learned to drive quality and efficiency improvements, ideally within electricity transmission, regulated utilities, or similar sectors.
• Familiarity with business planning, budgeting, performance reporting, governance metrics, and risk-based decision-making processes.

Additional Information

Join Transpower to work on nationally significant infrastructure projects where meaningful impact and innovation are valued. The role offers opportunities for intellectual growth, ongoing professional development, and comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits. Applications close on Tuesday, 1st September. Early conversations may occur prior to this date.