Our Client
Network Waitaki is a well-established electricity distribution and energy services business, powering over 13,500 customers across North Otago and parts of South Canterbury through 1903km of high voltage lines, from the coast to the Southern Alps. Based in the vibrant coastal town of Oamaru, they are passionate about their business and the community it serves, delivering safe and reliable network infrastructure for the benefit of its electricity consumers.
In addition to their core network operations, Network Waitaki has a growing contracting division delivering electricity distribution construction and maintenance services across New Zealand. As demand for infrastructure investment and reliable energy networks continues to increase, the organisation is focused on strengthening its leadership capability to support sustainable growth. For more information, please go to http://www.networkwaitaki.co.nz
The Role
Based in Oamaru and reporting to the Chief Executive, this is a key Senior Leadership Team position with full responsibility for the strategic and operational leadership and performance of the contracting business, including full P&L accountability.
Leading a motivated team of 60, you will ensure external and internal works programmes are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard, while also leading external business growth within the contracting business to secure new relationship and revenue opportunities.
You will be a strong relationship builder who works closely with internal leaders and external stakeholders to ensure capability, capacity and systems are in place to deliver both current and future work programmes.
Strong areas of focus for this role will be visible health and safety leadership, building team capability, and fostering a high performing, commercially focused culture.
Your Skills and Experience
To be successful in this role, you will have leadership experience within a contracting, infrastructure, utilities or similar operational environment with a strong track record in delivering results, leading field-based teams, and managing complex operational programmes.
You will be commercially astute, with proven experience managing P&L performance, driving profitability and identifying growth opportunities. Your leadership style will be engaging and practical, able to coach, mentor and build capability and relationships across diverse teams.
Experience within relevant electricity distribution or asset intensive industries will be highly advantageous, however, most importantly, you will be a visible and values driven leader who builds relationship, prioritises health and safety and is future focused to drive the business through its next phase of growth.
The Opportunity
This is an opportunity to join a respected, community focused organisation in a pivotal leadership role where you can make a genuine impact. You will play a key role in shaping the future growth of the contracting business while contributing to the wider success of the organisation.
Located in Oamaru, the commercial centre of the Waitaki District, this region truly offers something for everyone. From the ocean, lakes and nearby ski fields to iconic biking and walking tracks, a UNESCO Global Geopark, craft breweries, whisky distilleries, award winning wineries, incredible restaurants and artisan shopping. Its all on your doorstep.
The district has a rich and proud history; with New Zealand’s oldest public gardens, renowned Victorian limestone architecture and precinct, two penguin colonies along its extensive coastline and beautiful beaches. A gateway region south to Dunedin (1.5 hours drive) and inland to the beautiful Mackenzie Country and Southern Alps, it offers an unparalleled, affordable lifestyle with outdoor activities, attractions and excellent schooling. For more information on this region please visit http://www.waitakinz.com
To view the Position Description: click here
To view the Candidate Briefing Pack: click here
To Apply
If you feel you possess the above qualities and are drawn by the opportunity to further develop your career with a locally owned company serving its community, prepare your cover letter and CV and click the ‘Apply’ button. Confidential initial enquiries are welcome by phoning David Clausen 021 91 8873 or Nick Carter 027 591 3422.
Applications close Friday 15 May 2026