Land Owner Relations & Property Operations - Team Leader

* Lead the team that enables Transpower’s access to the National Grid
* Champion best‑practice landowner engagement across Aotearoa
* Manage Transpower’s property rights portfolio

Transpower connects Aotearoa to safe, reliable electricity. As owners and operators of the National Grid, we work with communities, landowners, customers and partners nationwide to ensure our assets can be accessed, maintained and developed. With growing demand for clean energy and increasing expectations on how we work with key stakeholders, our relationships matter more than ever.
About the team
Transpower’s Landowner Relations & Property (LOR&P) team ensures Transpower’s physical access to the grid throughout the entire asset lifecycle. We acquire and protect property rights, enable access for maintenance and projects, and build enduring, trusted relationships with around 30,000 landowners, who host our assets.
We are a high‑engagement team working closely with external service providers, customers, and internal divisions across Grid Delivery, Grid Development, Legal, Environment, Customer & Commercial, and Stakeholder Engagement. Our work directly supports the safe, reliable, long‑term operation of Aotearoa’s electricity system.
About the opportunity – Team Leader, LOR&P Operations
As Team Leader – LOR&P Operations, you will lead a national team responsible for delivering all operational landowner relations and property services across Transpower. You’ll champion best‑practice landowner engagement, maintain and enhance access rights, resolve disputes and issues, and support the delivery of Transpower’s Landowner Relations Strategy.
You will also ensure the effective management of Transpower’s property rights portfolio, including the management of tenancies, and oversee our property disposal programme. You’ll develop team capability to deliver a busy work programme.
This is a people‑centred hands-on leadership role where your judgement, communication style, and relationship capability matter as much as your technical knowledge. Your team is based around Aotearoa, so you’ll be comfortable with regular travel and some field-based work - you won’t always be sitting behind a desk all day!
Before you apply (quick self‑check)
This role involves frequent, high‑engagement interactions with landowners, mana whenua, service providers, and internal senior leaders. To thrive, you will bring:

* Confidence working within regulatory frameworks, property rights, and land‑related legislation.
* Strong communication and negotiation skills, including de‑escalation, problem solving and dispute resolution in challenging and sometimes emotive situations.
* A proven ability to effectively lead and develop a geographically dispersed team in a dynamic, multi‑stakeholder environment.
* Sound judgement under pressure and an ability to balance people needs with statutory requirements.

If this reflects your strengths and style, we’d love to hear from you. If you’re unsure, an early kōrero with your People Leader, Hiring Manager, or Talent Acquisition Partner can help you determine fit.
What you’ll bring
A collaborative and people‑focused leader with proven hands-on leadership experience, you will be able to demonstrate:

* Experience building, coaching, and developing high‑performing teams
* Strong advocacy, influence and relationship management skills
* Effective dispute resolution, problem-solving and negotiation, capabilities
* Working knowledge of land‑related regulatory frameworks and legal principles
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, adaptable to a range of audiences
* Confidence working in partnership with mana whenua and Māori landowners
* Ability to lead change, guide operational delivery, and drive continuous improvement
* A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience

Desirable: Knowledge of electricity, utilities, or other infrastructure sectors.
Why you should join us
We stand together for New Zealand — Tū mai Aotearoa — to enable a better tomorrow.
We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and creating a welcoming environment where our people can thrive. With staff representing over 28 nationalities, we value the perspectives and strengths each person brings.
We offer a range of wellbeing, lifestyle, and flexible working benefits. Learn more at: Permanent Employee - Benefits_Sept 2025.pdf
Learn more about our work with Landowners Landowners and developers | Transpower and what it is like to work at Transpower - A great place to work.
Next steps
If you’re ready to lead a team that plays a vital role in maintaining Transpower’s relationship with Aotearoa’s landowners and communities, please review the detailed position description on our Careers site and apply today. Applications close Tuesday 24th, February 2026.
NB: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and exploratory conversations may occur ahead of the closing date.
Full and existing New Zealand work eligibility is required.