Country Operations Manager (NZ)

Aquila Clean Energy APAC is a clean energy platform that funds, develops, builds and operates solar PV, onshore wind power and battery storage assets across the Asia Pacific region. Through developing and managing clean energy assets, we are committed to advancing the energy transition towards a more sustainable future.

For our office in New Zealand, we are looking for a

Operations Manager (New Zealand)

The Operations Manager supports the local operational and commercial management of our renewable energy assets, ensuring the safe, reliable and commercially optimized operation of the portfolio. The role is hands-on and execution-focused, acting as the primary local interface between contractors, market participants, and the central asset management team, ensuring operational performance, contract compliance, and accurate reporti

ng.The position is designed to be flexible in seniority, allowing for a motivated, hands-on profile that can grow into broader asset management responsibilities over ti

me.The Operations Manager (NZ) reports directly to the ANZ Country Head with functional reporting to the Strategic Operations Manager (APAC) based in Singapore.

Your main responsibilities:

• Manage the day-to-day technical and commercial operation of renewable energy assets within the assigned country portfolio, including monitoring performance (availability, production, outages, KPIs).
• Act as the primary local interface with O\&M contractors and service providers, ensuring performance, contract compliance, and coordination of operational activities.
• Lead regular operational meetings, coordinate preventive maintenance activities with O\&M contractors, and drive performance improvements to maximize asset availability and plant performance.
• Support onboarding of new assets, contractors, and service providers, including coordination of handover, documentation, and implementation of service contracts.
• Support the review and implementation of O\&M and operational service contracts, providing local market input and coordinating with contractors.
• Assess local market conditions and contractor landscape and support the Strategic Operations Manager in defining O\&M strategy and selecting service providers.
• Ensure accurate and timely operational and technical reporting to the central asset management team.
• Support commercial asset management activities including generation verification, PPA settlement coordination, and revenue monitoring.
• Coordinate local stakeholders including contractors, landowners, grid operators, and regulatory authorities, and support inspections, audits, and site visits.
• Support the transition of assets from construction to operations, ensuring operational readiness and compliance with regulatory and safety requirements.

Your qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Relevant experience in operations, asset management, or project management within the renewable energy or infrastructure sector.
• Experience working with external stakeholders including contractors, grid operators, regulators, and landowners.
• Familiarity with PPA structures, revenue tracking, and basic commercial asset management processes is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate across multiple markets and manage cross-functional stakeholders in a regional environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a hands-on and execution-focused mindset.
• Hands-on and independent individual who possesses initiative, adaptability and is able to communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a multi-cultural team
• High level of organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel); familiarity with asset management or monitoring systems is a plus.
• Able to work under pressure to meet reporting deadlines
• Fluent in English language
• Able and willing to travel extensively within the country