Operations Manager (NZ)

About the company

Aquila Clean Energy APAC is a clean energy platform that finances, develops, constructs, and operates solar PV, onshore wind, and battery storage assets across the Asia Pacific region. The business is focused on accelerating the shift to a more sustainable energy future through the development and management of clean energy projects.

Role overview

For the New Zealand office, the company is seeking an Operations Manager (New Zealand) to oversee the local operational and commercial management of renewable energy assets. This is a practical, execution-led role that ensures the portfolio runs safely, reliably, and in a commercially optimized way. The position serves as the main local point of contact for contractors, market participants, and the central asset management team, with responsibility for performance tracking, contract compliance, and reporting accuracy.

The role is structured to allow flexibility in seniority, making it suitable for a motivated professional who is ready to take on hands-on responsibilities and grow into broader asset management work over time. The Operations Manager (NZ) reports to the ANZ Country Head and also has functional reporting to the Strategic Operations Manager (APAC) in Singapore.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the daily technical and commercial running of renewable energy assets in the assigned country portfolio, including tracking availability, production, outages, and key performance indicators.
• Serve as the main local contact for O&M contractors and service providers, ensuring delivery quality, contract adherence, and smooth coordination of operational work.
• Run regular operations meetings, organize preventive maintenance with contractors, and push initiatives that improve plant availability and overall performance.
• Assist with onboarding new assets, contractors, and service providers by coordinating handover activities, documentation, and service contract implementation.
• Contribute to the review and rollout of O&M and operational service agreements, bringing local market insights and coordinating with external providers.
• Evaluate local market conditions and the contractor landscape, and support the Strategic Operations Manager in shaping O&M strategy and selecting service partners.
• Prepare accurate, timely operational and technical reports for the central asset management team.
• Support commercial asset management tasks such as generation verification, PPA settlement coordination, and revenue monitoring.
• Coordinate with local stakeholders including contractors, landowners, grid operators, and regulators, and help with inspections, audits, and site visits.
• Assist with the handover of assets from construction into operations, making sure operational readiness and safety/regulatory compliance are in place.

Qualifications and experience

• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a similar discipline is required.
• Previous experience in operations, asset management, or project management within renewable energy or infrastructure is preferred.
• Experience dealing with external stakeholders such as contractors, grid operators, regulators, and landowners is important.
• Exposure to PPA structures, revenue tracking, and basic commercial asset management processes will be an advantage.
• Ability to work across multiple markets and coordinate stakeholders in a regional setup is needed.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, combined with a practical and execution-oriented approach.
• Self-driven, adaptable, and comfortable working both independently and collaboratively in a multicultural team.
• Well organized, detail-focused, and able to manage several priorities in a busy environment.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel; familiarity with asset management or monitoring systems would be a plus.
• Capable of working under pressure and meeting reporting deadlines.
• Fluent English communication skills are required.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently within the country is required.

Additional information

This position is a full-time onsite role based in Auckland, New Zealand. No salary, vacancy count, start date, or application deadline was specified in the source.