Project Manager - Waitaki Upgrade

About the role

Meridian is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the multi‑year upgrade and modernisation of the iconic Waitaki Power Station, a historic 7‑unit hydro generation facility. The role covers the full project lifecycle from planning through to handover, with primary responsibility for safe, on‑time and on‑budget delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and accountability for the Waitaki Upgrade across planning, preparation, execution and handover 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 project governance framework, overseeing scope, cost, schedule and risk management.

Required profile

• Proven extensive experience leading large‑scale, multi‑year brownfield infrastructure projects, preferably in hydro, power generation or related heavy‑industry sectors.
• Strong programme‑level capability in governance, risk management, cost control, schedule management and delivery assurance.
• Solid 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 ability to drive teams toward safe and high‑quality outcomes.

Required skills

• Project management
• Risk management
• Cost control
• Schedule management
• Engineering integration (electrical, mechanical, civil)
• Procurement and commercial contract management