Business Improvement Manager

About PowerNet

PowerNet is New Zealand’s fourth‑largest electricity network management company, delivering safe and reliable power to more than 77,000 customers across Southland, West Otago, and parts of Central Otago. With over 300 staff based at depots throughout the region, we are passionate about providing safe, efficient, and reliable electricity while adding value to our stakeholders.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Business Improvement Manager to join our team in Invercargill. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving organisation-wide improvement, strengthening capability, embedding consistent improvement practices, as well as leading the integrated management system and ISO compliance programme. You will be the organisation’s lead for quality and improvement, ensuring both disciplines work together to drive performance. With a team of four direct reports, this is a rewarding role where you have the opportunity to partner with a range of people and make a real difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Initiate, manage and report on the delivery of PowerNet’s portfolio of strategic initiatives
• Drive strategic improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure quality management systems actively enable continuous improvement and operational performance, rather than operating as standalone compliance functions
• Facilitate and maintain PowerNet’s Integrated Management System and ISO accreditations
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for quality enhancement and process optimisation.
• Take an active leadership role with a specific focus on quality, risk and safety management and planning, quality improvement and workforce development activities.
• Monitor the effectiveness of quality management systems and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and deliver training programs to build awareness and capability in quality management principles and practices, providing coaching across the organisation.

Qualifications Required

• Formal accreditation in Business Improvement, Project Management, or Business methodology (e.g., Lean, PMP, or Prince 2).
• New Zealand qualification and/or experience in Quality Management

Key Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated experience in leading continuous improvement initiatives
• Proven experience in programme/project management and reporting
• Strong knowledge of quality assurance principles and practices including process mapping and ISO framework and accreditation
• A proactive, collaborative leadership style
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence across all levels of the organisation. 

Why Join PowerNet?

At PowerNet, we’re proud to offer more than just a job — we provide a workplace built on trust, teamwork, and genuine support. Your development and wellbeing matter here, and your contribution will be recognised and valued. Join us and enjoy:

• Competitive remuneration
• 5 Weeks of annual leave each year
• Fully subsidised Southern Cross health insurance
• The option to work a 9-day fortnight (enjoy a three-day weekend every two weeks)
• A comprehensive health & wellbeing programme
• A supportive work environment with professional development opportunities
• Relocation benefits

Bring your expertise in quality management and continuous improvement to PowerNet and play a key role in shaping how we deliver quality, efficiency, and value across our organisation.  

We encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages, genders, and communities. We provide a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce environment, celebrating differences.

Applications close 30 March 2026. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.