Generation Controller

Ko wai mātou | About us

At Contact Energy, we’re powered by a deep sense of purpose — to build a better Aotearoa by leading the decarbonisation of New Zealand’s energy. We’re one of the country’s largest energy generators and retailers, and we’re proud kaitiaki (guardians) of a diverse portfolio of renewable and thermal assets.

In the heart of Taranaki, our Stratford Power Station stands as a cornerstone of our generation capability. This site plays a critical role in ensuring energy security for Aotearoa, with flexible generation that supports the national grid when it’s needed most. Our team here is tight-knit, passionate, and driven by a shared commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation.

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role

Imagine starting your day knowing you’re helping to keep the lights on across Aotearoa. As a Generation Controller based in Stratford, you’ll be at the controls of one of the country’s most important energy assets. You’ll operate our plant safely and efficiently, responding to real-time events and alarms, and making decisions that directly impact the performance of our generation fleet.

This isn’t your average desk job — you’ll be hands-on with cutting-edge systems, managing electrical switching operations, coordinating with maintenance teams, and liaising with key players like Transpower and our trading team. You’ll also play a key role in mentoring others, contributing to continuous improvement, and ensuring we meet our environmental and safety commitments. Every shift brings something new, and your mahi will make a real difference.

Ko wai koe | About you

You might be a seasoned operator or someone with a solid technical background ready to step into a new challenge. Ideally, you’ll bring a relevant diploma or trade qualification in electrical or mechanical engineering, and experience in power generation or heavy industry. If you’ve worked with DCS systems, managed plant performance, or carried out electrical switching — ka pai! But if you haven’t ticked every box, don’t worry — we value attitude, curiosity, and a willingness to learn just as much.

What really sets you apart is your calm under pressure, your commitment to safety, and your ability to work as part of a team. You’re someone who takes pride in your mahi, communicates clearly, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you’re ready to be part of a whānau that values your contribution and supports your growth, we’d love to hear from you.

This role operates on a 24/7 rotating roster, with a mix of day work and shift work — flexibility is key, as occasional extra hours may be required to meet operational needs or attend training and hui.



There are a bunch of perks to being a permanent Contact kaimahi. Along with great leadership, teammates, development, and growth and progression opportunities, free health insurance cover, better-than-your-average leave, access to Contact Shares, a ‘Good to be Home’ annual payment toward your home set up & wellbeing, a trail-blazing parental leave policy, bi-annual payments towards Contact Energy products, and more!

Please note, only candidates with the right to live and work in New Zealand will be considered for this role.

Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet 60% of the criteria, women and those in underrepresented groups tend to only apply if they tick every box. We're not about box ticking, so if you think you have what it takes but don't meet everything stated above, please still get in touch. We'd love to kōrero.

Te Mata Hiko (Contact Energy) does not accept any CVs received from recruitment agencies where a formal engagement has not been confirmed and agreed to with our Talent team. In the event that unsolicited CVs are submitted by recruitment agencies, Te Mata Hiko (Contact Energy) reserves the right to contact these candidates directly and consider them for current/future vacancies without any financial obligation to the recruitment agency in question. This will also apply to any CVs sent directly to line managers.