Principal Advisor Utilities Management

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As the Principal Advisor Utilities Management, you will lead a team of specialist advisors responsible for utilities, horizontal infrastructure and energy efficiency across a complex asset portfolio. Providing both strategic direction and technical leadership, you will drive asset performance, risk assurance and sustainability outcomes while ensuring effective stewardship throughout the asset lifecycle.

Working closely with the Asset Management and 3 Waters teams, you will shape infrastructure strategy, develop standards and frameworks, and provide expert advice on planning, design, maintenance and renewal activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing a team of utilities and energy specialists.

• Driving infrastructure, energy and decarbonisation strategies and frameworks.

• Developing technical standards, policies and assurance processes.

• Providing expert oversight of infrastructure planning, maintenance and renewal programmes.

• Reviewing designs to ensure compliance with legislation, policy and technical standards.

• Providing lifecycle stewardship and governance of horizontal infrastructure assets.

• Championing continuous improvement, quality assurance and sustainable asset management practices.

• Overview of compliance and operations of 11kV electrical networks.

This position can be based in either Auckland or Wellington. Please can you indicate your preference within your application. Specific details to be discussed with candidates who are selected for an interview.

Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, there is the option of working from home 1 day a week.

Applications may be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

As an experienced people leader and infrastructure professional who can balance strategic vision with practical delivery, you'll bring the leadership, technical expertise and stakeholder engagement skills needed to drive asset performance across a complex and diverse portfolio.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Significant experience in energy management, utilities, horizontal infrastructure, building services, engineering or a related field.

• Strong technical knowledge of utility and energy systems, including electrical and water networks, building services, heating systems and building management systems.

• Experience managing substantial operational budgets and overseeing complex asset portfolios.

• Proven ability to build trusted relationships, influence decision-making and communicate effectively across a wide range of stakeholders.

• Exposure to ISO 55001 alignment or similar asset management frameworks is highly regarded.

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering, Energy Management, Building Science or a related discipline, with professional industry membership viewed favourably.

• Experience with operations and compliance of 11kV electrical networks.

A commitment to quality, continuous improvement and customer-focused outcomes will be key to your success in this role.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Monday 2 November 2026.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description.

• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.

• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.

• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.

• You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.