Operational Practices Lead

Posted: 29/05/2026

Closing Date: 26/06/2026

Job Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Dunedin

Job Category: Engineering

The Opportunity

Due to a recent realignment within the Operational Performance and Safety team, this role has been thoughtfully reshaped to build on the solid momentum and groundwork laid over the past 12 months, offering the opportunity to step into something already in motion and take it further.

As Operational Practices Lead, you’ll play a key role in lifting how the network operates, shaping operational practices, improving processes, and influencing how work is planned and delivered. You’ll sit at the intersection of operations, engineering, safety, and service delivery, ensuring what’s designed works in the real world.

You’ll bring people on the journey, working alongside control room operators, field teams, engineers, and service providers to embed practical, lasting improvements.

This is not a traditional engineering or network standards role.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead development and improvement of operational standards and practices
• Strengthen works management, network access, and operational processes
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety and performance
• Engage with stakeholders across:
  • Network Operations (The NOC)
  • Field teams & Service Providers
  • Engineering, Planning, H&S, Risk & Compliance
• Translate operational needs into clear, high-quality documentation
• Support training, competency development, and knowledge sharing
• Act as a trusted advisor on operational practices and best practice

You’re not just technically capable, you know how to work with people to make change stick.

You might come from:

• Field operations or network delivery
• Control room / system operations
• Operational engineering or performance roles

…and have developed a passion for improving how things are done.

You'll Bring

• Experience in an electricity distribution or utilities environment
• A tertiary qualification or relevant experience producing technical papers and operating standards critical to network operations
• Strong understanding of network operations and work practices
• Proven ability to influence and engage across diverse teams
• Excellent written communication skills (critical)
• A practical mindset—balancing best practice with real-world application
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach to continuous improvement

This is a rare opportunity to shape how a network operates day-to-day, driving meaningful improvements in safety, efficiency, and performance. It offers a move away from reactive, high-hour environments into a more strategic, balanced role with real visibility and influence.

Aurora Energy is one of the largest electricity networks in Aotearoa New Zealand. We own and manage the network that delivers electricity to some of the fastest growing areas and over the most diverse terrain in Te Waipounamu South Island. We deliver a safe, reliable and sustainable electricity supply to a population of more than 200,000 residents in Ōtepoti Dunedin, Central Otago/Wānaka and Tāhuna Queenstown. Our purpose is enabling the energy future of our communities.

What's in it for you?

• Ongoing support for professional development and training
• Genuine hybrid flexible work policy and lifestyle leave option
• Active Wellbeing Programme giving you access to free fruit, free flu vaccinations, regular activities and events
• Access to 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme
• Exclusive discounts and great deals on over 40 of your favourite brands and stores including air travel, hardware and home appliances
• Southern Cross medical insurance discount
Employee Reward and Recognition programme

Are you up for the challenge? Join our team.

We see diversity as a strength and welcome applications from anyone who has what it takes, regardless of gender, ethnicity or background.

If you’re motivated by purpose-driven work and want to play a key role in shaping how a network operates, we’d love to hear from you. Click the ‘Apply’ button to submit your application. Or for a confidential discussion around this position please contact Stephanie Richardson at Paragon Recruitment on 021 202 2809 or ***email_hidden***.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.

To be considered for this position you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.