Senior Asset Planner - Power Cables Portfolio

Full job description
At Transpower, we plan, build, operate, and maintain the National Grid - New Zealand's electricity transmission backbone. Our purpose is to empower Aotearoa's energy future, enabling a net-zero carbon economy and a secure, reliable electricity system.

About the team

The Asset Planning - Primary Assets team manages critical infrastructure across our High Voltage AC substations, including transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear, cables, and buswork.

We work closely with our colleagues in Facilities, Lines and Secondary Systems to make smart, timely investment decisions that balance cost, risk, and performance - ensuring our assets continue to support Transpower's strategic goals as the sector transitions to more renewable generation.

The opportunity

Based in Wellington or Christchurch, this role offers you the chance to shape how we plan and invest in our Power Cables portfolio. This unique portfolio spans both inside and outside the substation, managing our High and Medium Voltage assets.

In asset planning, things are rarely black and white. You'll need to be comfortable working in the grey, asking insightful questions, and drawing on the expertise of others to help define what 'good' looks like when:

Balancing short-term investment decisions with minimising whole-of-life asset costs
Prioritising asset investments that deliver the greatest net risk reduction over the next five years while managing cost pressures
Advancing maturity in cables data, modelling, technology, and international good electricity industry practice to prepare for the next major cables investment programme
Whether you bring hands-on experience managing cable assets or a strong background in asset management, this is a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact on nationally significant infrastructure.

What you'll deliver

You'll lead the development and implementation of asset management plans, applying sound investment principles and lifecycle costing. Your work will include:

Leading the Power Cables portfolio within Primary Assets to ensure plans are robust, reliable, and fit for purpose
Using lifecycle modelling and asset health forecasting to guide investment decisions
Developing business cases for asset replacement, refurbishment, or acquisition, and identifying opportunities to bundle projects and align delivery
Collaborating with teams across Transpower to ensure strategies align with long-term objectives
Building and refining asset health and investment models to support planning and risk assessment
Undertaking risk assessments to guide optioneering for future replacement decisions
What sets you apart?

You're a strategic thinker with a passion for asset management and the confidence to take on complex challenges. You work well independently and thrive in cross-functional collaboration, bringing practical, forward-looking solutions to the table.

While experience in energy or utilities is preferred, we welcome strong asset management capability from other sectors.

To be considered, your tailored CV and cover letter will demonstrate:

A relevant tertiary qualification, ideally in engineering or asset management
Chartered Engineer status or a recognised asset management accreditation, supported by proven experience
Significant experience in asset management, with a focus on cost- and risk-based decision-making
Strong analytical skills. You're comfortable working with data and drawing insights to support strategic planning
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts and insights into clear, practical advice
A structured, collaborative approach to problem-solving
The ability to mentor and support others in their professional development
Knowledge of substation primary assets, particularly power cables, and experience in the energy sector are highly regarded. However, if you bring strong asset planning expertise and a curious, open mindset, we'd love to hear from you.

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 experience which they love to share. We work in the office or on-site for a minimum of three days each week to build and maintain relationships, support learning, deliver outcomes, and sustain our culture. This approach also offers staff the flexibility they need for both work and personal commitments, with adaptable daily start and finish times.

We prioritise employee wellbeing with a range of health and wellness benefits - check them out here: https://www.transpower.co.nz/about-us/careers-transpower/staff-benefits.

Next steps

If you're ready to take your place at the heart of the electricity sector and help us achieve the best long-term outcomes for Aotearoa, we invite you to review the full position description and apply without delay.

The role closes on Wednesday, 20 August; however, applications will be reviewed as they are received. You may be contacted for an initial phone call or informal coffee chat before the closing date to assist with shortlisting.

Preference will be given to applicants already based in New Zealand with existing eligibility to work.