Chief Executive - Waipā Networks
Waipā Networks owns and operates the lines, transformers and substations that deliver power to more than 60,000 people in Waipā and the surrounding areas. They’re 100% owned by the Waipā Networks Trust, on behalf of their customers. Their motivations aren’t shareholders or profit – they’re delivering cost-effective and reliable energy services that meet the needs of their growing region.
Waipa Networks is owned by a consumer trust, which holds the company for the benefit of local electricity consumers. This ownership model ensures that governance decisions are made with a focus on community interests, and that financial returns can be directed back to the local population through rebates or investments in network improvements. From Te Awamutu to Cambridge, and Tamahere to Kāwhia, the network does more than provide power – it backs the people who make the region thrive.
The Opportunity
Waipā Networks is seeking a new Chief Executive to execute the organisation’s long-term growth strategy, and carry out an investment plan – allowing Waipā Networks to continue to deliver an excellent service to their customer base whilst preparing for the next phase of their journey. The Chief Executive will drive the commercial performance of Waipā Networks to ensure that it continues to deliver strong financial results, with a focus on meeting the changing and growing demands of the wider region. It is a priority of Waipā Networks that it becomes an innovator and a leader in the industry, pioneering new product offerings and technology adoptions to position it to succeed in New Zealand’s decarbonisation journey.
The Chief Executive is tasked with building, developing, and maintaining a high performing, cohesive executive team that can continue to serve the community into the future. This will involve deliberately fostering a highly customer-centric culture that recognises the diversity of the community it serves, and drives a tangible commerciality in Waipā Networks’ operations. It is vital that the Chief Executive also continues to embed a strong health and safety culture and drives operational excellence, ensuring the core performance and reliability of the network.
A successful candidate will have:
Proven leadership experience in the energy or infrastructure sectors;
Exceptional commercial acumen with strategic development and execution to present clear, coherent plans for discussion with the Board;
Ability to develop customer-centric strategy and culture, recognising the diverse and evolving demographic of the region it serves;
Experience in driving innovation and change within an organisation;
Excellent leadership skills and ability to galvanise leadership team and organization; and
Strong stakeholder management skills across partners, community, shareholders and customers.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader interested in contributing to an organisation at the heart of the region. This person will be commercial, courageous, and customer-focused, able to set and deliver the strategy for Waipā Networks. Kerridge & Partners is supporting Waipā Networks with this appointment process.
To apply for the role, please contact Reuben Panting of Kerridge & Partners at reuben.panting@kerridgepartners.com by December 8th.