About Us:

The Unison Group consists of specialist companies delivering critical network and energy solutions, including the electricity networks of Hawke's Bay, Taupō and Rotorua, New Zealand's leading distribution transformer manufacturing company, an electrical switchgear business and a product solutions group focusing on developing world leading asset management and monitoring solutions. Our vision is to enable our communities' sustainable energy future.

The Opportunity:

We're looking for a safety-focused, analytical and adaptable Distribution Network Controller to join our Network Operations Centre team in Hastings.

This is a key operational role responsible for the real-time operation of Unison's HV and LV electricity network on a 24/7 shift basis. As electricity networks become increasingly automated, data-driven and interconnected, controllers play a critical role in maintaining network reliability, making informed operational decisions, and adapting to emerging technologies, distributed energy resources, changing customer expectations and evolving network behaviours.

In this role, you'll help ensure the safe, reliable and efficient supply of electricity to our customers by coordinating network operations, responding to outages and incidents, managing switching and access, and supporting field resources during planned and unplanned work.

You'll apply sound judgement, structured thinking and strong problem-solving skills to understand and progress operational issues. You'll also work with advanced operational systems, including SCADA, ADMS and smart grid technologies, to support effective decision-making and contribute to the ongoing improvement of our network operations.

Beyond day-to-day operations, you'll be expected to actively participate in identifying opportunities for improvement, adopting new technologies, refining operational practices, and helping shape the future of network operations at Unison.

This role offers the opportunity to build expertise across real-time network operations, advanced operational systems and the evolving technologies shaping the future electricity network, including increasing automation, distributed energy resources, customer-owned energy technologies and evolving network operating models.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate planned and unplanned switching on the electricity network.
• Control access to the high voltage network and support safe work practices.
• Provide first response coordination for faults, outages and emergency events.
• Monitor and assess network conditions, performance and emerging risks using operational systems and real-time data.
• Lead the operational response to network events, coordinating field resources, restoration activities and operational priorities to minimise customer impact and restore supply safely and efficiently.
• Analyse network issues using ADMS, SCADA and other operational systems.
• Issue and control authorisation permits in line with safety requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure key stakeholders are kept informed during fault events.
• Prepare switching instructions and notifications for planned maintenance work.
• Support the use of smart grid technologies, data and emerging tools to improve network performance and control room operations.

What You'll Bring:

• A Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems or a related discipline is preferred; however, suitably experienced candidates with a National Certificate Level 4 qualification and relevant industry experience will also be considered.
• At least 4 years' experience in electricity distribution, power system operations, network control, outage management or a similar operational environment.
• The ability to quickly assess, prioritise and make sound decisions in dynamic operational environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyse information, assess risk and reach timely decisions.
• Demonstrated curiosity and a willingness to learn new technologies, systems and ways of working.
• An interest in understanding network behaviour and how emerging technologies are changing network operations.
• Confidence working with multiple computer-based systems and operational tools.
• A safety-conscious and process-oriented approach.
• Strong communication skills, sound judgement and the ability to perform under pressure.
• A proactive mindset, with the ability to take ownership of issues and contribute to continuous improvement.

A full job description is available on our website

What We Offer:

At Unison, we know that great performance comes from great people. That's why we offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Life, trauma, and income protection insurance
• Health insurance for you, and discounted rates for your family.
• $460 annual ‘Dress for Your Day' allowance
• $200 annual wellbeing subsidy
• Company iPhone
• Onsite gym
• Ongoing training and development
• A safe, inclusive, and forward-thinking workplace

If this sounds like the opportunity you have been waiting for, apply today! Applications close 3 August 2026.

Unison is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.