Supervisor – Underground

Overview

Northpower seeks an experienced Underground Supervisor responsible for managing daily underground electricity distribution activities including construction, maintenance, fault responses, and customer projects. This role requires hands-on leadership, technical expertise, and effective team management to ensure safe and high-quality work execution in the field. The supervisor will serve as a prominent leader promoting safety vigilance, conducting toolbox meetings, audits, incident investigations, and fostering a positive, responsible team culture focused on pride and mutual support.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee coordination of crews, resources, and subcontractors to plan and execute underground electrical construction, maintenance, faults, and renewals efficiently and safely.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance to field crews, ensuring all materials, equipment, permits, and site preparations are secured prior to starting work.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Designers, Schedulers, and operational teams to synchronize work programs and guarantee effective field delivery.
• Manage outage planning, switching processes, compliance with B4UDig requirements, landowner communication, site prep, and prepare switching packs and job handovers.
• Monitor productivity, quality, project timelines, and costs to ensure operational objectives are met.
• Support emergency restoration and storm response tasks when necessary.
• Maintain precise project documentation and ensure completion paperwork is finalized promptly.
• Identify and implement improvements to safety practices, processes, work methods, and overall operational performance to enhance field operations and safety culture.

Experience and Qualifications

• Substantial background in electricity distribution, particularly focused on underground construction and maintenance.
• Experience supervising electrical, cable jointing, or civil crews.
• Solid knowledge of HV/LV networks, including cable installation, jointing, and fault resolution.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent planning, organizational, communication skills, and ability to perform well under pressure.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols, industry regulations, and network standards.
• Experience engaging with Project Managers, customers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computer systems.
• Possession of EWRB registration or working toward it.
• Electrical Inspector certification or progress toward certification.
• HV switching competencies.
• Current New Zealand Class 1 driver’s license.
• Relevant Level 4 or higher technical qualification.

Employee Benefits

• Contribution to meaningful community impact within a stable, future-oriented industry.
• A people-centric culture emphasizing safety, inclusion, and wellbeing, supported by an Employee Assistance Program and peer support networks.
• Competitive and fair remuneration.
• Private use vehicle provided with flexible options such as additional leave and enhanced employer KiwiSaver contributions.
• Life insurance and preventive health programs including annual flu shots and skin checks.
• Group medical insurance discounts and health/fitness initiatives like Fitness Passport.
• Discounted fuel rates and retail offers from partners like Boost, PB Tech, and Specsavers.
• Continuous learning and professional development with clear career advancement opportunities.
• A welcoming and family-friendly work environment that values authenticity and individual contributions.

About Northpower

Northpower is a regional organisation with national coverage, operating electricity and fibre networks servicing over 60,000 customers and managing one of New Zealand’s largest multi-utility contracting businesses. Our services include electricity, fibre, renewables, transmission, and comprehensive energy solutions across 16 locations and employing over 1,400 people. We are committed to delivering infrastructure that powers communities today and prepares for the future.

Additional Information

Applicants must hold New Zealand work rights. Pre-employment screening includes criminal history, substance testing, and a medical assessment. This is an opportunity to lead from the front, leverage your technical and leadership expertise, and positively influence underground network work quality and safety while fostering a strong, accountable team culture.