Project Manager – HVDC Upgrade Programme

Transpower New Zealand Limited; Wellington; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Transpower New Zealand Limited is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the HVDC Link Upgrade Programme work packages from definition through development, delivery, commissioning and handover, ensuring integrated interfaces are managed and complex contractual arrangements are navigated.

You’ll collaborate with internal specialists, external consultants, service providers and major international suppliers to deliver a multi-year programme of works that improves reliability, resilience

Qualifications

• Experience delivering substantial, multi-year infrastructure projects.
• Ability to manage complex contractual arrangements with suppliers/partners.
• Proven capability to identify risks, clarify requirements and drive delivery.
• Strong written and verbal communication with senior stakeholders and partners.
• Project management qualification (PMP or PRINCE2) and disciplined project controls experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead substantial control system work packages from definition through delivery, commissioning and handover.
• Collaborate with internal specialists, external consultants, service providers and major international suppliers.
• Maintain alignment of interconnected work packages within governance frameworks and commercial arrangements.
• Champion safety and quality expectations across providers and contractors.
• Manage scope, schedule, budget and outcomes across a multi-year HVDC upgrade programme.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Contract management

Risk management

Technical integration

Leadership

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Deliver a multi-year system upgrade project of national significance Future-proof Transpower’s HVDC transmission link Be part of a once-in-a-generation programme powering NZ’s energy transitionTranspower’s purpose is to empower the energy future for NewZel— a future that delivers a net-zero carbon economy and a reliable, secure electricity system.Our contextNew Zealand’s electricity system is changing rapidly as renewable generation grows. The High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Link is critical national infrastructure, connecting the North and South Island transmission grids and enabling renewable electricity to flow to where it is needed most.The HVDC Link Upgrade Programme will upgrade the submarine power cables and control systems. This major programme of works will deliver long‑term reliability for the transmission link, energy market resilience, and value for electricity users by 2032.Find out more here https://www.transpower.co.nz/hvdc-upgrade

The opportunity – help deliver one of New Zealand’s most important electricity infrastructure programmes.

Reporting to the HVDC Programme Manager, you’ll lead substantial control system work packages from definition through development, delivery, commissioning, and handover. You’ll collaborate with internal specialists, external consultants, service providers, and major international suppliers to deliver projects critical to the success of the HVDC Link Upgrade Programme. You’ll keep interconnected work packages aligned, safe, commercially sound and on track for successful delivery. You’ll work within established governance frameworks but will navigate custom commercial arrangements, ensuring issues are surfaced early and decisions are well supported. You’ll champion robust safety and quality expectations across service providers, helping create an environment where safe behaviours and high delivery standards are consistently practised. This role will suit a Project Manager with deep large-project delivery experience who enjoys complex interfaces, commercial problem‑solving and working with highly specialised subject matter experts.

What will you bring?

• Successful delivery of substantial, multi-year projects with interconnected workstreams and material delivery risk
• Experience managing specialist suppliers, contractors, or technology partners within complex contractual arrangements
• Demonstrated ability to work with and question technical experts, identify emerging delivery risks and create clarity amid ambiguity and change
• Clear written and verbal communication, with the ability to influence and align senior stakeholders, delivery partners and contractors
• A relevant tertiary qualification together with a project management qualification such as PMP or PRINCE2, underpinned by breadth of experience using disciplined project controls, reporting tools and financial management systems
• Ideally, you have led projects in infrastructure, utilities, telecommunications, industrial delivery, technology, or an adjacent sector. We also welcome IT Project Managers who have delivered substantial, highly integrated projects involving specialist vendors, complex contracts, operational interfaces, commissioning, and significant business and technical dependencies.
• Electricity‑sector knowledge and exposure to industrial control systems are advantageous but not essential. We’re seeking demonstrated success delivering projects of comparable complexity, scale and consequence. Experienced HVDC control system experts within the team will provide the subject‑matter depth; your role is to manage the project by creating clarity on the work, integrating multiple technical and commercial inputs, managing dependencies and risks, and maintaining control of scope, schedule, budget, quality and outcomes.

Join us at Transpower! At Transpower, our people care deeply about each other and New Zealand. With over 28 ethnicities, there are diverse perspectives, knowledge, and experience, which is willingly shared. We work in the office or on site a minimum of three days each week to support collaboration, learning, delivery, and culture. You will also have flexibility for work and personal commitments, including adaptable daily start and finish times. We prioritise wellbeing with an excellent range of employee health and wellness benefits www.transpower.co.nz/about-us/careers-transpower/staff-benefits

Next steps

To join a great team working on a once-in-a-generation, multi-year project, please review the position description above and apply without delay. Role closes Wednesday 11 November; however, we may reach out for an informal chat before the close date. We’re committed to appointing prior to Christmas, with a start date to suit your personal circumstances in 2027. Existing eligibility to work in New Zealand is essential.