Project Manager - HVDC

Bring your experience to New Zealand’s nationally significant HVDC upgrade. Be part of a once-in-a-generation, 5+ year programme powering NZ’s future. Wellington-based role working across Transpower and with key delivery partners. Transpower's purpose is to empower the energy future for New Zealand — a future that delivers a net-zero carbon economy and a reliable, secure electricity system. Our context: New Zealand’s electricity system is changing rapidly as renewable generation grows. The HVDC link is critical national infrastructure, connecting the North and South Island transmission grids and enabling renewable electricity to flow to where it is needed most. The HVDC Link Upgrade Programme will replace the three existing high-voltage direct current cables connecting the North and South Island power systems and install a fourth cable of the same type to increase capacity. Together with six other related projects, this major programme will deliver long-term reliability, market resilience, and value for electricity users by 2032. The opportunity This is a rare opportunity to help deliver one of New Zealand’s most important electricity infrastructure programmes. Working within the HVDC Link Upgrade Programme team, you’ll lead and support complex work packages from definition through to commissioning, partnering with internal specialists, operations teams, service providers and major contractors to keep delivery safe, integrated and on track. You could lead or support: Fighting Bay Control Room relocation and commissioning, coordinating design, procurement, earthworks, construction, fit-out and commissioning of a new HV control room to enable demolition of the existing control room. Enabling works and site readiness, including site and quarry establishment, vegetation clearance, access upgrades, drainage, earthworks, and construction readiness ahead of major Cable Termination Station construction. Procurement, contractor mobilisation, and construction logistics, including consultant and contractor engagement and works interface management. Programme interfaces, outages, and operational coordination, working with operations, service providers, and HVDC specialists to manage sequencing, commissioning, and delivery integration. Cable test programme design and delivery, working with the main HV cable supplier to provide project management oversight of the test programme validating electrical, seismic, and quality requirements. You’ll manage projects from early definition through to commissioning or close-out, shaping scope, managing safety and quality, and delivering to programme, budget and expectations. You’ll influence and ensure robust safety systems across service providers, helping create an environment where safe behaviours are expected, and consistently practised. This role will suit an experienced Project Manager who enjoys complex interfaces, disciplined delivery, commercial problem-solving, and the satisfaction of seeing nationally important infrastructure come to life. What will you bring? You’ll bring a strong delivery orientation and a sustained track record leading infrastructure projects in complex, safety-critical environments. You understand commercial drivers, risk, reporting rigor, stakeholder management, and you know how to keep momentum across scope, cost, schedule, quality, and safety. Your CV and cover letter will demonstrate: Sound experience delivering complex infrastructure, energy, utilities, heavy industrial or comparable capital works projects including strong commitment to safety culture and knowledge of health and safety legislation in high-risk environments. A recognised project management credential, preferably PMP or a relevant tertiary qualification, or equivalent experience. Outstanding written and verbal communication, including the ability to navigate complexity and drive clarity. Demonstrated ability to engage, influence, and align senior stakeholders, delivery partners and contractors. Confidence using project management, reporting and financial management systems. Join us at Transpower! At Transpower, our people care deeply about each other and New Zealand. With over 28 ethnicities, there are diverse perspectives, knowledge, and experience, which is willingly shared. We work in the office or on site for a minimum of three days each week to support collaboration, learning, delivery and culture. You’ll also have flexibility for work and personal commitments, including adaptable daily start and finish times. We prioritise wellbeing with an excellent range of employee health and wellness benefits — check them out here. Next steps To enjoy this permanent opportunity to help upgrade New Zealand’s vital electricity connection, Role closes Wednesday 12 August; however, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may reach out for an informal chat. Existing eligibility to work in New Zealand is essential. #J-18808-Ljbffr