Project Manager – Waitaki Power Station Upgrade

About the role

Meridian is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the upgrade and modernisation of the iconic Waitaki Power Station. This multi‑year, brownfield project involves a 7‑unit hydro generation facility from the 1930s and requires strong safety, quality and operational focus.

Key responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and accountability across planning, preparation, execution and hand‑over phases.
• Develop and implement a delivery strategy that ensures safe, efficient and predictable execution in a complex brownfield environment.
• Manage delivery planning, execution readiness, risk reduction, constructability planning and transition into execution.
• Translate technical design intent, commercial positions and contract commitments into acceptable performance outcomes.
• Establish and lead a robust governance framework, overseeing scope, cost, schedule and risk management.

Required profile

• Extensive experience delivering large‑scale, multi‑year brownfield infrastructure projects, preferably in energy, hydro or power generation.
• Proven capability in programme‑level governance, risk management, cost control and schedule management.
• Understanding of engineering‑led projects integrating electrical, mechanical, civil and construction workstreams.
• Experience managing major OEM and contractor relationships, including complex procurement and commercial interfaces.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to drive projects to safe, on‑time, on‑budget delivery.

Required skills

• Project management
• Risk management
• Cost control
• Schedule management
• Procurement