Head of Future Networks

With a new CEO, large CAPEX investment and working closely with an experienced General Manager Network, now is a great time to join Waipā Networks. Electricity demand is changing across the communities we serve. As more homes, businesses and farms look to electrify, connect new technology and plan for a more resilient future, Waipā Networks is preparing its network for what comes next.

As Head of Future Networks, you will help shape long-term network strategy and investment planning and help guide decisions that balance reliability, resilience, affordability, growth and customer outcomes.

You will lead a team that plays an important role across the business, working closely with internal teams, major customers, developers, regulators, industry partners and community stakeholders.

This role will suit a senior energy leader who can bring technical depth, commercial judgement and a practical customer lens to complex decisions.

In this strategic role, you'll shape the long-term direction of Waipā Networks' electricity system so it can support customers' energy needs. This will include leading:

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• the development of future network strategy and future operating philosophy
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• customer-informed investment planning, including clear conversations about affordability, reliability, resilience and growth
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• distributed energy resource integration, resilience strategies and future operating models
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• network transformation initiatives that support sound investment decisions and customer outcomes
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• the development of the Asset Management Plan, ensuring it meets regulatory requirements and provides a clear future investment roadmap
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Through your leadership, your team will support:

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• developing network planning solutions and business cases that improve network security, resilience and reliability over the short, medium and long term
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• evolving network planning and capacity forecasting tools to help optimise network investment plans
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• managing new large and complex customer connections
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You'll also lead strategic projects that explore practical alternatives to traditional network investment, including customer‑enabled and non‑network solutions. Working closely with the GM Network, you will engage with Senior Leadership and the Board, including through high‑quality papers, recommendations and technical briefings.

You'll be an experienced leader within electricity distribution, transmission or generation or wider energy sector. You'll bring sound commercial acumen, a customer‑led approach and the ability to make balanced decisions in complex technical, regulatory and commercial settings.

While a background in network planning is ideal, you may instead have expertise in design engineering or asset management that gives you strong appreciation for the technology and systems that enable the management of modern distribution networks.

You'll have demonstrated experience influencing senior stakeholders, preparing Board‑level material and leading a high‑performing team. You'll also bring curiosity, sound judgement and a practical focus on improving systems, processes and capability over time.

The Waipā Region offers both rural and city living, with strong communities, quality schools and easy access to Hamilton. With an abundance of water, the large hydro lakes and beaches are perfect for water sports and include Lake Karāpiro, the home of New Zealand rowing.

The region provides easy access to Auckland, Tauranga, and the Central North Island, while Hamilton airport connects you nationally and internationally.

Waipā Networks is 100% customer‑owned and has powered the Waipā region since the early 1920s. Today, it owns and operates the electricity network that keeps more than 29,000 homes and businesses connected across Cambridge, Te Awamutu and surrounding areas.

As the district grows and more customers shift to electricity, Waipā Networks is investing to meet changing demand and support the region's future energy needs. This is a meaningful time to join a customer‑owned business with strong links to the communities it serves.

A competitive total reward package is on offer including:

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• flexible working arrangements
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• fully funded health insurance for you and your whānau
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• fully funded life insurance, equivalent to twice your base annual salary
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• professional development support
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• the ability to purchase additional annual leave to support work‑life balance
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Relocation support within Aotearoa New Zealand may be considered for the right candidate.