Services Lead - Hydro

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey. 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. Based at our Whakamaru Depot in central Waikato, you’ll be right in the middle of Mercury’s hydro operations. This broad operational leadership role is responsible for the people, resources and services that help keep our hydro environment safe, reliable and sustainable. Reporting to the Operations Manager - Hydro and known internally as Resource Lead , you’ll lead a team of around four trade and technician staff. In practical terms, you’ll take ownership of much of what sits outside the core generating plant, including lakes, land, facilities, fleets, depots, bulk stores and supporting infrastructure. Alongside day-to-day service delivery, you’ll strengthen contractor performance, regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship and emergency readiness across our hydro sites. This is a Whakamaru-based, site-focused role involving regular visits across Mercury’s hydro operations. Tāu e mahi ai | What you’ll be doing Lead, coach and develop a team of trade and technician staff, including their training, competency and compliance requirements Plan, prioritise and schedule work to support safe and effective delivery across our hydro sites Manage service contracts, contractor performance and audit programmes, working closely with Procurement and service providers Coordinate dam surveillance activities and ensure resulting recommendations are followed through Oversee boats, vehicles, fleet compliance, facilities, depots, bulk stores and associated asset records Champion compliance with dam safety regulations, environmental consents, maritime requirements and transport service obligations Improve asset management practices through effective use of Mercury’s Computerised Maintenance Management System Develop and implement lake weed management activities that balance environmental and operational outcomes Lead operational responses to environmental incidents and coordinate emergency response exercises Build effective relationships with site teams, contractors, statutory organisations and other internal and external stakeholders You’re an experienced operational leader who can bring together people, contractors and specialist teams to deliver safe and reliable outcomes. You’ll be comfortable moving between field activity, regulatory obligations, contract performance and longer-term improvement. Your background may be in hydro, another utility, heavy industry, infrastructure or a comparable operational environment. You’ll bring: An NZCE in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent qualification At least five years’ experience in a relevant operational environment Experience leading and developing a team of trade or technician staff Experience managing service contracts, contractor performance and budgets Maritime transport and emergency management experience Knowledge of process safety, hazard identification, risk assessment and emergency preparedness Experience using a Computerised Maintenance Management System, ideally Maximo A Class 4 and forklift licence, or a willingness to work towards these, would be preferred Additional 5 days leave per annum (MyDays) $400 one off tax-free payment towards setting up your home office Offers on electricity and telco - if you're a Mercury customer, you can enjoy some great discounts on your electricity and telco bill 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 multi-utility providers 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. 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. A full position description is available below. Applications close Sunday, 23rd Augustat 5:00pm. Applications can be reviewed as they are received, with interviews beginning before the advertised closing date. We encourage you to apply early, as the advertisement may close once we have received a sufficient number of suitable applications. #J-18808-Ljbffr