Project Manager - Innovation

Vector; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Internal opportunities

Learning & growth investment

Diversity & inclusion

Job summary

Vector in Auckland is seeking a Project Manager - Innovation to lead the Suburb of the Future pilot, coordinating technical, customer, network, regulatory and partner workstreams. You will manage scope, budget, timing and dependencies while turning evidence and feedback into actionable recommendations for scale or refinement across New Zealand's energy transition.

You’ll work with customers and industry stakeholders, shaping approaches that could influence the wider electricity sector.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering complex projects or programmes with multiple workstreams and changing requirements.
• Ability to influence across technical, customer, commercial, regulatory, and operational teams.
• Ability to create structure and maintain momentum amid evolving information and processes.
• Clear, accessible communication translating technical project information into practical actions.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day delivery of Suburb of the Future programme in central Auckland.
• Coordinate cross-functional workstreams, governance and reporting.
• Turn evidence and feedback into recommendations on refinement or scale.
• Engage with customers and industry stakeholders to guide deployment.
• Manage scope, budget, timing, funding commitments, risks and dependencies.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Regulated environment

PM certification desirable

Education

PM certification (PMP/PRINCE2/Agile)

Tertiary qualification in PM

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.

Innovation at the core. Powering a smarter future.

At Vector, we believe innovation is the key to a cleaner, more connected future. By embracing new ideas, forging strong partnerships and pioneering technologies that make energy more resilient and accessible, we’re setting new standards for our customers, and our industry.

Learn more about how Vector is reshaping the energy sector through collaborations with the biggest names globally:

Vector: Pioneering the future of energy.

• We collaborate globally - with leaders like X The Moonshot Factory, to bring cutting-edge technologies home. From innovative AI-driven grid management to advanced renewable integration, we’re shaping the future of energy.
• Our network isn’t just keeping up, it’s evolving – with predictive analytics, automation and digital tools that enhance reliability and customer experience.
• Sharing innovation – we offer technologies and business solutions across Auckland and the world, to help others embrace smarter energy systems that drive sustainability and efficiency.

If you’re passionate about building a cleaner, more connected future, join us. The future isn’t waiting – we’re building it now.

The role

As Project Manager - Innovation, you’ll lead the day-to-day delivery of Vector’s Suburb of the Future programme, a real-world pilot in central Auckland testing how flexible electricity use can be managed through third parties, supported by advanced network monitoring. You’ll bring clear leadership and structure across connected technology, customer, network, regulatory and partner workstreams, keeping scope, budget, timing, funding commitments, risks and dependencies on track.

This is an opportunity to take significant ownership of one of Vector’s most visible innovation projects and contribute directly to New Zealand’s energy transition. You’ll help bring solar, battery and smart EV charging technologies into a real community, work with customers and key industry stakeholders, and shape approaches that could influence how the wider electricity sector operates in future.

You’ll coordinate technical teams and delivery partners, lead governance and reporting, and turn evidence, customer feedback and delivery insights into clear recommendations about what should be refined, scaled, embedded into normal operations or stopped. The work will take you beyond the desk, with opportunities to support community engagement, customer activity and deployment in the field.

Please note: this role is available on a 1 year fixed term contract basis.

Who are we looking for?

• Experience delivering complex projects or programmes with multiple connected workstreams, partners and changing requirements, supported by strong fundamentals across planning, governance, budgets, risks, dependencies, reporting and delivery resources
• A track record of working across technical, customer, commercial, regulatory and operational teams, influencing without direct authority and building trusted relationships with external partners, suppliers, funders or sector stakeholders
• The autonomy and judgement to create structure, maintain momentum and make practical progress when information, requirements and established processes are still developing
• Clear, accessible communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical and project information into practical actions, decisions and recommendations for different audiences
• Experience in energy, infrastructure, utilities, telecommunications, technology, customer trials, innovation or another regulated environment would be valuable
• A relevant tertiary or recognised project management qualification such as PMP, PRINCE2 or Agile certification is desirable, although equivalent practical experience will be considered.

Why Vector

We know that great energy starts with great people, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you can be, do and achieve your best:

• Enhance your wellbeing, protect your future and empower your personal and professional growth through our extensive benefits package
• Supercharge your career through internal opportunities, tailored development plans and investment in your learning and growth
• We value diverse perspectives, which drive innovation and creativity. We encourage everyone to bring their full selves to work, embracing ideas that challenge and inspire
• Build a legacy doing work that matters – we’re keeping the lights on across Auckland, and driving a sustainable energy future for New Zealand.

Vector plays a leading role in enabling Auckland’s electrification by investing in smarter, more resilient infrastructure that supports growth and better outcomes for customers. From modernising our network with data and technology to accelerating electrification, we're helping power Auckland's growth and transition to a lower-carbon future.

Join us and you'll work on projects that matter, help shape the future of Auckland, and make a real impact across New Zealand.

Additional Information

We know that some people may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet every single requirement. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply anyway - your skills, enthusiasm, and unique perspective could be just what we’re looking for.

Vector values diversity in all its forms and welcomes people of all backgrounds, experiences, identities and abilities to be part of our team.