Programme Manager (Distribution)

Orion NZ; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work locations

My Days leave

Wellbeing allowance

Holiday house access

Office locations: Burnside Rolleston &

Job summary

Orion NZ in Christchurch is seeking a Programme Manager (Distribution) to lead the programming, design coordination and delivery support of critical distribution works across our network. You’ll work with engineering, delivery, asset management, procurement and external stakeholders to bring infrastructure projects to life.

From network reinforcement and undergrounding to relocations and growth projects, you’ll manage scope, budget, timelines and quality, build strong relationships with councils

Qualifications

• Experience in electricity distribution, utilities, or infrastructure sector.
• Strong knowledge of distribution assets: switchgear, transformers and cables.
• NZ Diploma in Engineering Level 6 or equivalent practical industry experience.
• Proven programme, project, or technical coordination experience.
• Ability to build relationships across stakeholder groups with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Confident communicator and problem solver in fast-paced environments.
• Experience using network, asset, or GIS-related systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead scoping, design coordination, and delivery support of distribution network projects.
• Manage replacement, reinforcement, undergrounding, relocation, and growth-related works from concept through to completion.
• Support delivery teams through full project lifecycle, ensuring scope, budget, timeline, and quality expectations.
• Build strong relationships with councils, utilities, contractors, developers, and internal teams to keep projects progressing.
• Provide technical advice and coordination across distribution projects and network improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to asset management, continuous improvement, and safe delivery outcomes.

Skills

Programme coordination

Project coordination

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

NZ Diploma in Engineering Level 6

Tools

GIS systems

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

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.

About us

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

• 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

We 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.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this job. Pre-employment checks are part of our recruitment process.