About the role:

We’re looking for a highly skilled and forward‑thinking DSO Strategy Lead to guide MainPower through rapid change in New Zealand’s energy landscape. This role provides strategic and technical leadership across the Future Networks function, developing industry‑leading strategies and solutions in flexibility markets, DER orchestration, network transformation, and long‑term network planning. You’ll help shape MainPower’s capability as the industry transitions to a more distributed, consumer‑centric, and data‑driven future.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and technical leadership across DSO concepts, electricity markets, and network investments.
• Support MainPower’s DSO strategy and develop a DSO roadmap aligned with industry direction.
• Design and explore local flexibility services, procurement approaches, and market participation frameworks.
• Develop transparent tools such as capacity maps, signals, and performance reporting.
• Support non‑network solution assessments and the creation of a Non‑Wires Alternatives portfolio.
• Contribute to advanced network planning, forecasting, and power systems modelling.
• Represent MainPower in industry, helping align DSO developments across the sector.
• Champion safety by design and support best‑practice health and safety standards.
• Ensure compliance with risk frameworks, industry standards, and regulatory expectations.

About you:

You bring deep expertise in electricity systems and a passion for shaping the future of distribution networks. You think strategically, communicate with influence, and can turn complex challenges into actionable plans. You thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy engaging with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Additionally, you will bring:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in electrical engineering (or equivalent).
• 10+ years’ experience in network planning, flexibility markets, electricity regulations, or similar areas.
• Strong knowledge of ADMS/DERMS architecture, power flow tools, and DER integration frameworks.
• Experience with NZ regulatory frameworks (Electricity Authority, Commerce Commission, pricing/flexibility guidance).
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A customer‑centric mindset and the ability to influence at all levels.

MainPower requires all successful applicants to complete a pre-employment drug test.

To apply for this position, you must have New Zealand residency or a valid New Zealand work visa.

What’s in it for you:

We value and support our employees through a community‑focused work environment and provide access to a wide range of wellbeing and development benefits:

• Nine-Day Fortnight Option
• Subsidised Health Insurance
• Subsidised Gym Membership
• Professional Development
• Recognition Programmes

Why work for us:

Our people are critical in ensuring that we deliver on our vision. At MainPower, we deliver value by providing a safe, secure, and reliable electricity distribution network for our local community. We are committed to developing a strong workplace culture where people are supported, empowered, and provided the tools required to deliver in their roles.  Our values reflect how we interact with each other, our community, and our customers.

How to apply:

We assess applications as they are received so click” Apply” to submit your application today.

To download a full position description please click here.

Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways—not just candidates who check all the boxes. Please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this role and how you believe you can contribute to our team.

MainPower welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. We are proud to have a diverse and inclusive environment and are committed to providing opportunities for all our people.