Hydro Project Development Manager

Meridian Energy; Wellington; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company in Wellington is seeking a Hydro Project Development Manager to lead hydro generation projects. You will manage project risks, budgets, and stakeholder relationships while supporting the growth of renewable energy initiatives. The ideal candidate has proven experience in project development, excellent communication skills, and relevant qualifications. This role offers competitive benefits including enhanced leave and development opportunities.

Benefits

Attractive and competitive salary package

Wellbeing insurance

Enhanced leave provisions

Life, trauma and income protection insurance

Enhanced KiwiSaver contributions

Access to employee share scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Award-winning wellbeing programme

Employee discounts

One-off $400 work-from-home payment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in hydro generation project development and management.
• Ability to manage complex projects and competing priorities.
• Commitment to values: Be gutsy, Be a good human, Be in the waka.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new and enhanced hydro generation projects.
• Manage project risks, budgets, and stakeholder relationships.
• Support the growth of Meridian’s renewable energy portfolio.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Project management

Financial planning

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification (engineering, sciences, project management, or environmental planning)

Job description

Mō te tūranga | What you’ll be doing

As Hydro Project Development Manager, you’ll lead the development of new and enhanced hydro generation projects, from site identification and feasibility through to consent and delivery. You’ll manage project risks, budgets, and stakeholder relationships to ensure successful outcomes. Your work will help grow Meridian’s renewable energy portfolio and support our commitment to a low carbon future.

Ngā painga ki a mātou | What we can offer

We value work/life balance, so our WFH and flexible work options (where possible) make things easier for you and your whānau. We also offer:

• An attractive and competitive salary package that’s reviewed annually, performance incentives, plus discounts from several partnerships
• Southern Cross Healthcare - Wellbeing One insurance, a funded scheme for eligible employees to give you that extra peace of mind
• Enhanced leave provisions: three company-paid days (over the holiday period), enhanced parental leave and options to buy up to 12 days of additional leave
• Life, trauma and income protection insurance (which we hope you won’t need!)
• Enhanced KiwiSaver contributions
• Access to the Meridian employee share scheme
• Excellent learning and development opportunities, we want you to be the best version of yourself, and we'll help you get there!
• Award-winning wellbeing programme that provides support whenever and wherever you need it
• Employee discounts off your power with Meridian, every bit counts
• A one-off $400 payment to support your work-from-home set-up (if needed)

Ngā pukenga kei a koe mō tenei tūranga | What you’ll bring

• Proven experience in hydro generation project development and management.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Financial planning and contract management expertise.
• Ability to manage complex projects and competing priorities.
• Relevant tertiary qualification (engineering, sciences, project management, or environmental planning).
• Commitment to Meridian’s values: Be gutsy, Be a good human, Be in the waka.

Tono mai ināianei tonu | Apply now

All in all, we’re an awesome place to work. If this sounds like you and you want to bring your energy and use your power to make a difference (pun intended), then apply today and tell us why!

We encourage you to apply for this role — even if you don’t meet every requirement. At Meridian, we value diverse perspectives and believe that potential, passion, and a willingness to grow are really important. If you’re excited about this opportunity, we’d love to hear from you!

If you’ve got any questions, please email [email protected]. We’re committed to becoming more accessible and providing support if needed. Please get in touch if there are parts of our process you would like assistance with (process found here meridianenergy.co.nz/careers), we’re more than happy to help.

To view the full position description please click here (link to PDF)

Location

Location – Wellington is preferred but Christchurch will be considered too.

Advertising closes 19 October 2025 (please note this is subject to change)

Additional Information