Grid Investment Advisory Manager at Transpower New Zealand Limited, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Bring your understanding of regulation and expertise in economic analysis
• Lead a small but growing team working on critical infrastructure projects
• Be part of enabling a more sustainable energy future for Aotearoa

Build people and performance capability including refining the processes and tools to support delivery of $30m+ grid investments.

Transpower owns and operates New Zealand's National Grid - the high voltage transmission network connecting areas of generation with towns and cities across New Zealand.

With a whole-of-industry view of the electricity sector we are at the forefront of enabling the country's energy transformation. Our teams are working hard to enable a sustainable, net-zero carbon future.

About the team

The Grid Investment Group undertakes economic and electricity marketing modelling and analysis to inform Transpower's expenditure and strategy decisions. The Group partners with many other teams across the business to help Transpower make smart decisions for the benefit of all New Zealanders. They also play an important role in engaging with external stakeholders including the regulators, Government bodies, and other industry participants and stakeholders.

The Grid Investment Advisory team undertakes economic analysis relating to grid expenditure and is responsible for applying the regulated investment test, drafting consultations and regulatory proposal documents, and leading the production of the benefit-based charge allocations consistent with the Transmission Pricing Methodology (TPM).

About the opportunity

You'll enjoy a fast-paced investment environment, leading the preparation and submission of $30m+ critical infrastructure projects within the bounds of a changing regulatory field.  Leading and developing a growing team, you'll have oversight and input into creating a robust regulatory environment in supporting Transpower's major capital investment program.

Your work will be varied and include carrying out economic analysis relating to grid expenditure, applying our regulated investment test and leading the allocation of the newly created benefits-based charge allocations for these investments. You will also work on:

• The development of individual and team capability as envisaged for a 'centre of excellence' with appropriate investment and regulatory expertise, supported by external parties and providers.  You'll work with New Zealand universities to broaden awareness of the expertise we need at Transpower and the exciting opportunities coming up.
• Improving the processes and tools which support delivery of grid investment modelling work, including the development and refinement of customised investment models.

Externally you will work with a range of stakeholders, including the Commerce Commission and Electricity Authority, as we work to improve the regulatory framework by identifying barriers and initiatives to ensure Transpower can evolve and continuously improve to meet our strategic priorities, and ultimately become a decarbonised energy sector.  Other government departments include MBIE, Climate Change Commission, Waka Kotahi (NZTA), and the Ministry for the Environment and industry bodies such as the Business Energy Council.

This is the right role for you if you enjoy the challenge of building people and performance capability, including refining the processes and tools to support delivery of major grid investment. We have a growing pipeline of investment needs and you'll be counted on to deliver this program to schedule, working across Transpower to ensure that we match our investments to the delivery program and capacity.  You'll thrive working in a rapidly changing, high growth environment as you play a key role in the development and approval of transmission investment of a national significance.

Read more about what our teams' are contributing to here:

Net Zero Grid Pathways | Transpower
Western Bay of Plenty Development Plan | Transpower

What will you bring?

You'll have a well-developed understanding of the New Zealand electricity industry and regulatory environment, particularly the regulatory frameworks for transmission/electricity or similar, large utility/infrastructure issues. Your understanding of investment principles is underpinned by a tertiary qualification in operations research, economics, mathematics, physics, or another similar.

Your CV and cover letter will demonstrate:

• Leadership experience with examples of 'achievement of excellence' outcomes through management and empowerment of others.
• Experience in team development, building capability, and managing and coaching technical specialists.
• Proven experience with major investment and extensive experience as a practitioner.
• Astute ability to develop strong stakeholder relationships at all levels (internally and externally) with a good level of political savvy.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills including influencing and negotiation.

While not essential, a post-graduate qualification in economics or modelling investment case analysis and forecasting or management would be advantageous.

Join us at Transpower

Aotearoa is powered by the people who work here. Every home, every marae, every electric vehicle, every hospital relies on the electricity we manage and deliver. This is your opportunity to join us on a mission that affects all New Zealanders, every day and long into the future.

With over 28 nationalities, our people provide diverse perspectives, knowledge, and deep and varied experience which they love to share.

Our environment is modern and family friendly with the option to work from home two days per week. Wellbeing is supported with great employee health and wellness benefits - check them out here https://www.transpower.co.nz/careers/working-transpower.

Next steps

To join us, please review the position description below/via our career site and apply without delay. 

Role closes Wednesday 27 September 2023; however, applications will be reviewed as they are received and you may be contacted for an initial exploratory conversation/interview prior to the close date.