Rotorua // Senior Project Manager - Drilling

Rotorua // Senior Project Manager - Drilling Mercury is a bold future-focused organisation, providing energy and telecommunications to more Kiwis than anyone else, leading the way with renewable energy and working toward a sustainable future. At the heart is our purpose. Taking care of tomorrow: connecting people and place today. This pushes us to do all we can to create a better future for our people, our communities, and Aotearoa New Zealand. Mercury operates five geothermal power stations and manages more than 100 geothermal wells across the central North Island. Our geothermal drilling and well intervention programmes operate in a fast-moving, commercially exposed environment where technical challenges emerge, contractor schedules change and plans need to be adjusted quickly. We are looking for an experienced Project Manager or Senior Project Manager who is energised by this type of environment. You will be comfortable making timely decisions with incomplete information, rapidly re-planning when conditions change and maintaining momentum across complex projects. You do not need to be a geothermal or drilling specialist. You will work alongside experienced drilling engineers, geologists and operational specialists who provide the technical expertise. Your strength will be asking the right questions, bringing people together and turning specialist input into clear decisions and action. Based in Rotorua, you will lead the delivery of geothermal drilling and well intervention projects that support the ongoing performance and growth of Mercury’s renewable generation portfolio. Tāu e mahi ai | What you'll be doing: You will take ownership of projects from mobilisation through to well completion, with accountability for cost, schedule, contractor performance, risk and stakeholder communication. Your responsibilities will include: Leading project teams delivering geothermal drilling, well construction and well intervention projects Maintaining delivery momentum when scope, technical requirements or priorities change Managing project budgets, schedules, procurement strategies and commercial risks Understanding the cost implications of delays and driving timely decisions Holding contractors and internal stakeholders accountable for agreed commitments Identifying and escalating emerging issues early, supported by practical options and recommendations Building effective relationships across engineering, geology, operations, contractors and business stakeholders Supporting and mentoring Project Managers and Engineers across the wider team Ensuring projects are delivered safely and in line with Mercury’s technical, environmental, risk and quality requirements You will bring more than five years’ project management experience, ideally gained in a high-paced operational environment where changing conditions and daily cost exposure are a normal part of delivery. You may have worked in areas such as drilling, mining, oil and gas, shutdowns and turnarounds, heavy industry, remote construction or other complex operational environments. You will also bring: A track record of successfully delivering projects that changed significantly during execution Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of the financial impact of project delays The ability to rapidly re-prioritise and develop a clear way forward when plans change Confidence making decisions and driving outcomes without relying solely on formal authority Strong contractor, stakeholder and relationship management skills Proactive communication, including the confidence to raise difficult issues early A calm and considered approach when working under pressure or ambiguity A relevant tertiary qualification in engineering, project management or a related discipline Exposure to drilling, well construction, subsurface projects or power generation would be advantageous, but is not essential. You will be most successful in this role if you enjoy pace, accountability and change, and are comfortable working in an environment where the original plan may need to evolve as the project progresses. Additional 5 days leave per annum (MyDays) $400 one off tax-free payment towards setting up your home office A diverse workplace where your unique abilities and talents will be recognised and encouraged Annual salary reviews with excellent parental leave policy, with the option to purchase additional leave The opportunities, career paths and facilities associated with working for one of New Zealand's largest energy providers Flexible working policy - The autonomy and trust to work flexibly from our purpose-built premises and from home, recognising the value of this flexibility in the modern world Discounted health insurance and free life and income insurance Excellent well-being programme including up to $100 annual check ups and confidential assistance programme Gender affirmation leave and supportive bereavement leave to be taken when you lose anyone close to you, including your pet Mercury is a learning organisation that is committed to providing you with opportunities to grow and develop that will benefit you now and in the future. Part of your role includes building your skillset and mindset through a variety of ways. We believe this creates an energised, innovative and agile work environment where you will feel valued. Every voice has its place - and together, we thrive. At Mercury, we believe that having a team of individuals with different backgrounds, experience and capability working together makes us stronger and better as an organisation. We know that some candidates may only apply for a role if they meet all of the criteria. If you want to join our team, we encourage you to apply for any role that matches your skills, capabilities and interests, even if you aren't sure if you meet all of the criteria. #J-18808-Ljbffr