Project Manager - Major Projects - Aurora Energy

Paragon - The Agency For People; Central Otago; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurora Energy is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead major capital projects across its electricity network in Central Otago. Based in Cromwell (preferred) or Queenstown, you will manage end-to-end delivery, from concept to handover, across substations and distribution networks.

You’ll coordinate internal teams, consultants and contractors, manage budgets and schedules, and drive projects through complex approvals while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• 7+ years' project management experience delivering large, complex infrastructure or capital works projects.
• Strong experience managing project budgets, forecasting and financial performance.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive projects forward.
• Experience working across multiple concurrent projects.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• A practical, solutions-focused approach and a strong sense of ownership.

Responsibilities

• Leading the successful delivery of major capital projects across Aurora Energy's electricity network.
• Coordinating internal teams, consultants, contractors and external stakeholders.
• Managing project scope, schedules, risks, budgets and forecasting.
• Overseeing design development and consultant engagement.
• Preparing tender documentation and supporting procurement processes.
• Monitoring project performance and contractor delivery.
• Ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to quality standards.
• Building strong relationships across the business and wider project ecosystem.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Stakeholder management

Multi-project ownership

Communication

Ownership

Education

PRINCE2/PMI

Job description

Cromwell (Preferred) or Queenstown | Aurora Energy

Want to help deliver the infrastructure that powers some of New Zealand's fastest-growing communities?

Aurora Energy is investing heavily across Central Otago, delivering major network projects that support population growth, network resilience, and the future energy needs of the region. We're looking for an experienced Project Manager to join our Major Projects team and take ownership of some of Aurora Energy's most significant and complex capital projects.

Based in Cromwell (strongly preferred) or Queenstown, you'll work across a portfolio of high-value projects spanning substations, distribution network upgrades, subtransmission infrastructure, and greenfield developments.

The Opportunity

This is an end-to-end project delivery role where you'll take projects from initial concept through design, procurement, construction and final handover.

No two days will be the same. One moment you'll be working with engineers and consultants to develop project scopes and design packages, the next you'll be managing budgets, coordinating contractors, facilitating stakeholder meetings, or helping navigate complex approval processes to keep projects moving forward.

You'll typically manage two major projects alongside several smaller initiatives at any one time, with some of Aurora Energy's larger projects spanning three to four years from inception to completion.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the successful delivery of major capital projects across Aurora Energy's electricity network

• Coordinating internal teams, consultants, contractors and external stakeholders

• Managing project scope, schedules, risks, budgets and forecasting

• Overseeing design development and consultant engagement

• Preparing tender documentation and supporting procurement processes

• Monitoring project performance and contractor delivery

• Ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to quality standards

• Building strong relationships across the business and wider project ecosystem

About you

You’ll be an experienced project professional who thrives in complex environments and enjoys bringing together multiple stakeholders to achieve a common goal.

You’ll likely bring:

• 7+ years' project management experience delivering large, complex infrastructure or capital works projects

• Strong experience managing project budgets, forecasting and financial performance

• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive projects forward

• Experience working across multiple concurrent projects

• Excellent communication and relationship management skills

• A practical, solutions-focused approach and a strong sense of ownership

Ideally, you’ll also have:

• Experience within the electricity distribution, utilities sectors with knowledge of substations, subtransmission or distribution networks

• Formal project management qualifications such as PRINCE2, PMI or equivalent

• An engineering, trade or technical background

While technical expertise is valuable, this role is ultimately about delivering projects. You’ll be supported by Aurora Energy's engineering specialists and subject matter experts, so success comes from your ability to coordinate people, manage competing priorities, and keep projects progressing.

Why Aurora Energy?

Aurora Energy owns and operates the electricity network that powers communities across Otago. Their work is critical to enabling growth, supporting customers, and helping shape the future of energy in the region.

You’ll join a collaborative team that values a can-do attitude, strong relationships, and delivering outcomes safely and professionally. With a significant capital programme underway, there’s plenty of opportunity to make a meaningful impact while building a long‑term career.

Paragon Recruitment are proud to be partnering with Aurora Energy on this appointment.