Manager, First Principles (H&S Project / Change Manager)

He marama kei te heke mai me Clarus (A bright future with Clarus)

Clarus safely delivers the vital energy New Zealand needs to thrive today and in the future.  Starting off in Taranaki, our Firstgas, Rockgas, Firstlight Network, First Renewables, Flexgas and Gas Service NZ operations now span the length and breadth of Aotearoa — so you’re never far away from our good energy. Clarus is investing in opportunities to develop greener alternatives to natural gas and LPG - like partnering with Ecogas to deliver New Zealand’s first renewable biomethane project, and working with other gas distributors to trial hydrogen blending. We care about the communities where we live and work and are guided by principles of inclusiveness, kaitiakitanga and excellence.

Kōrero mō te tūranga (about the role)

We’re looking for a talented professional to add more good energy to our Health and Safety team.  This is a unique opportunity to bring our First Principles to life, leading and driving the Health and Safety culture. 

This is a unique hands-on opportunity for someone with a background in project management, change management, health and safety or related fields to uplift the capability across our organisation to ensure we are getting the fundamentals right, and embedding leading edge processes and approaches to the business in relation to H&S.  This may involve process, policy or procedure redesign, training and the introduction of new approaches or technology. 

In this role:

• Design, develop and deliver initiatives and projects to agreed quality and timeframe standards meeting required outputs and business unit objectives.
• Establish, proactively manage and collaborate with stakeholders across Clarus to understand health and safety requirements.
• Working closely with H&S operations team to embed new initiatives.
• Provide on-going guidance and specialist H&S advice to Clarus senior leaders and actively monitor compliance and business performance against the H&S frameworks and provide status reports to the Manager Health and Safety and GM People, Safety and Sustainability
• Lead and support a programme of work across Critical Risk to Fatigue Management, Employee wellbeing and everything in between.
• Lead a small team, as well as the Occupational Health Nurse contract.

This role can be based in Christchurch, Bell Block or Hamilton (with some travel required from time to time).

Mōu  (about you)

As well as being someone who brings passion and good energy to everything you do, you will have a tertiary qualification in business, management, innovation, change management or related field.  There's no need to have a health and safety background (although you'll need to be keen to upskill in this area if you don't).

You'll also have experience:

• Leading projects or programmes of work, including change management.
• Engaging a range of stakeholders - build rapport and effectively influence across levels and functions.
• Confident facilitation and highly effective written and oral communication skills, with plain English focus.
• Strong presentation skills and demonstrated experience working with senior staff and board members.
• Ability to effectively prioritise and pivot as the requirements evolve.
• People leadership, either direct management or coaching/mentoring.

Ka aroha koe ki tō mātou wairua pai  (You’lll love our good energy)

At Clarus you’ll be valued for who you are, rewarded for what you do and supported to thrive. Along with your competitive salary, you’ll get a whole host of extra benefits including additional leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements and free insurances and health checks. Our award-winning wellness programme recognises you’re more than the job you do and supports you with initiatives like an annual wellness grant and access to professional wellbeing services for you and your whānau. We’ll also fuel your professional development and help you build the career you want in an environment where you can flourish, surrounded by great colleagues.

Hiahia? (interested?) Come and join the whānau!

Want to work where your experience and expertise are valued and rewarded, where you’re surrounded by great people and supported to develop personally and professionally? Fill your workday with good energy at Clarus by clicking the link below before applications close on 1 June 2025 or get in touch with [email protected] for a copy of the full job description.