General Manager Digital, Data & Technology

Sheffield Group; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 250,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Nine-day fortnight

Flexible hours

Hybrid working

Phased retirement

Sabbatical leave

Extra annual leave purchase

Job summary

MainPower is seeking an Executive Leadership Team member to turn current systems into integrated intelligence: building a data platform the whole business can trust, embedding AI and automation with governance behind it, and delivering a secure, well-architected technology base built to last. You’ll guide OT/IT convergence and provide executive cyber security accountability, reporting to the CEO.

Based in Rangiora with hybrid work options, this 18-month fixed-term role offers strategic influence

Qualifications

• Senior digital, data or technology leadership at CIO/CTO level, preferably in regulated or asset-intensive sectors.
• Proven track record building enterprise data platforms and governance that are used across the business.
• Hands-on experience deploying AI and automation with measurable benefits.

Responsibilities

• Lead the data and AI strategy across MainPower.
• Own cyber security accountability and incident response at executive level.
• Lostersee: translate technology into Board-ready language.
• Oversee OT/IT convergence and secure network architecture.

Skills

Executive leadership

Data platforms

Governance

AI deployment

Cyber security

Board reporting

Tools

OT/IT convergence

Job description

Sheffield Group – Wellington Central, North Island

Newly created Executive Leadership Team role

Own the full stack: technology, data, cyber security and AI

Rangiora base, 20 minutes from Christchurch

Fixed term 18 months

About the Company:

MainPower has been distributing electricity to the North Canterbury region for around 100 years, delivering power to over 46,000 homes and businesses across the Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikōura districts. Based in Rangiora, MainPower is consumer-trust owned, with a strong and growing focus on the outcomes that matter to the people it serves.

MainPower delivered a strong financial result in FY2025/26, with profit after tax of $14.4 million and comprehensive income of $27 million following a network revaluation. Reflecting this performance, the Board is lifting the consumer rebate returned to customers from $10 million to $14 million for FY2026/27 — meaning more than 80% of customers on the network can expect no increase, or even a decrease, in their lines charges, even as costs rise elsewhere in the industry. $37 million was invested in the network during the year, reflecting the need to support one of New Zealand's fastest-growing electricity networks in a thriving and rapidly expanding region.

About The Role:

Reporting to the Chief Executive, this is a new role responsible for turning current systems into integrated intelligence: building a data platform the whole business can trust, embedding AI and automation with real governance behind it, and giving MainPower a technology base that's secure, well-architected and built to last. It's a rare brief - most organisations this size are retrofitting digital leadership onto existing structures. Here, you're setting the direction from day one.

You’ll also carry executive accountability for cyber security and core business systems and work closely with the GM Network & Future Energy on the OT/IT convergence that a modern network depends on.

Skills & Experience:

Senior digital, data or technology leadership at CIO or CTO level – ideally somewhere regulated, asset-intensive, or utility-shaped

A track record of building enterprise data platforms and governance that people actually use

Hands‑on experience deploying AI and automation with measured benefit

Executive‑level cyber security accountability, including incident response and Board reporting

Working knowledge of OT/IT convergence and what it means for security

The ability to translate technology into terms a Board and non‑technical peers will act on

MainPower backs flexibility in practice, not just policy:

• a nine-day fortnight
• flexible hours
• hybrid working
• phased retirement
• sabbatical leave
• the option to purchase extra annual leave

You’re joining a small, tight‑knit Executive Leadership Team at a company that’s investing seriously in its future – $37M into the network last year alone.

Culture:

MainPower’s Executive Leadership Team is made up of seven General Managers who own their portfolios and lead the whole company first. The team works to the “control to trust” principle which its General Managers are expected to model. Expect autonomy and high standards along with a seat at the strategy table.

Applications close on 20 September 2026. Emails will be electronically acknowledged and further correspondence may be by email.

For more information please phone Kate Kennedy on [phone].