Origination Lead

About Meridian Energy

Meridian Energy is New Zealand's largest producer of renewable electricity, harnessing natural resources such as wind, water, and solar energy. With a combined customer base of over 400,000 homes, businesses, and farms through its Meridian and Powershop brands, the company is a significant force in the country's sustainable energy sector.

Role Overview

The Origination Lead will join the Strategy and Portfolio team, playing a vital role in expanding Meridian's reach and enhancing its portfolio value. This role focuses on leveraging market insights, making sound commercial decisions, and building trustworthy business relationships to foster growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Head of Origination to develop and build the origination pipeline.
• Lead substantial and occasionally global origination projects and design commercial solutions.
• Identify new growth avenues through long-term electricity agreements, customer collaborations, and emerging demand prospects.
• Drive demand identification, lead complex commercial negotiations, and oversee the successful execution of agreements.

Candidate Requirements

• Strong commercial insight gained through experience in business development, deal-making, partnerships, wholesale energy markets, or managing complex customer contracts.
• Ability to focus on detailed aspects while maintaining visionary, innovative thinking (“blue skies” approach).
• Exceptional communication skills facilitating the building of trusted and effective relationships.
• Sound commercial judgment with a capacity to navigate ambiguous situations.
• A background in legal affairs, project finance, engineering, or investment banking is advantageous, particularly with experience handling complex projects and contract execution.
• Familiarity with the New Zealand electricity market is preferred.
• A keen interest in renewable energy and its role in supporting the energy transition.

Benefits and Workplace Culture

• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Competitive salary package reviewed annually and performance incentives.
• Healthcare coverage through Southern Cross and wellbeing insurance schemes.
• Enhanced leave options including additional company-paid days and parental leave enhancements.
• Life, trauma, and income protection insurance.
• Generous KiwiSaver contributions and access to the employee share scheme.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• A supportive wellbeing program offering assistance as needed.
• Employee discounts on power services.
• A one-time payment of NZD 400 for work-from-home setup support if applicable.

Additional Information

Meridian highly values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities and neurodiverse individuals, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment. The company embraces sustainability as a core principle and is actively reducing carbon emissions while supporting community initiatives. The workplace culture emphasizes teamwork, courage, and integrity, promoting a fun and celebratory office atmosphere.

Location for this role includes Wellington, Auckland, or Christchurch, New Zealand.