Operations Manager Power Systems

About us

When backup power cannot fail, our clients call Mansfield Group.

Mansfield Group is a family owned specialist in petroleum services and diesel generator systems. We design, install, service and certify generator and fuel systems for telco, healthcare, data centres, government and rail, with offices in Christchurch, Wellington and Palmerston North. Our clients deal with one team from planning to handover, and we are fully SiteWise and ISN compliant.

Our power systems division is growing, and we need an Operations Manager to lead it. This is a senior role based in Petone. You will run generator installs, maintenance contracts, hire and above ground fuel system work across the country. You will also lead a team of technicians and build the systems that let us scale.

You will need a strong background in power generation, generator service or mechanical and electrical services. You know HSNO compliance and you lead people well. If you like owning outcomes and being the person clients trust to get it right, we want to hear from you.

About the role

The Operations Manager, Power Systems runs the Mansfield Group power systems division, covering diesel generators and above ground fuel systems: Every installation, maintenance, decommissioning and hire job is delivered safely, on time, on budget and fully compliant, so client backup power and fuel supply work when they are needed. The role turns a growing order book into a scheduled, resourced and profitable programme of work across Christchurch, Wellington and Palmerston North, and builds the systems that let the division scale without adding overhead.

Key responsibilities

Installation and Project Delivery

• Plan, schedule and resource all generator installation projects, including client supplied and Mansfield supplied units.

• Oversee integration of generators with compliant fuel systems: Day tanks, bulk tanks, fuel transfer pipework, exhaust, ventilation and acoustic treatment.

• Lead custom fitouts and site specific adaptations around space, noise, access and safety constraints.

• Coordinate electricians, crane and transport providers, civil contractors and certifiers so the client deals with one team from planning to handover.

• Sign off commissioning, load bank testing, automatic transfer switch (ATS) testing and handover documentation.

Above Ground Fuel Systems

• Plan and deliver new above ground fuel system installations, including tanks, suction and pressurised pipework, dispensing equipment, fuel management systems and AdBlue systems.

• Manage decommissioning of tanks and pipework, including fuel removal, cleaning and degassing, safe disposal and decommissioning records.

• Run planned and reactive maintenance across all above ground fuel sites: Site inspections, filter changes, fuel quality testing and treatment, leak checks and repairs.

• Make sure inspection reports are completed to Mansfield Group standard and issued to clients on time, with defects quoted and followed up.

• Coordinate compliance certification of new and modified fuel systems with independent compliance certifiers, in line with AS 1940 and the Hazardous Substances Regulations 2017.

Service, Maintenance and Hire

• Run the planned maintenance programme for all generator and fuel system service contracts, making sure every scheduled visit is booked, completed and reported.

• Manage breakdown and emergency response, including an after hours and 24/7 on call roster as the team grows.

• Manage the generator hire and lease fleet: Availability, utilisation, servicing, delivery, installation and recovery.

• Oversee tank integrity work, including ultrasonic checks and pressure testing, and keep asset registers and service history current for every client site.

• Support the Wellington Division Lead in building the local client base and service capability.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Make sure all work complies with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017, with fuel systems certified through an independent compliance certifier.

• Track HSNO and stationary container system certificate expiry dates for every client site and book renewals before they lapse.

• Support client Building Warrant of Fitness requirements for emergency power systems (Specified System SS 14/1), working with IQPs to provide annual Form 12A certification.

• Make sure electrical work is carried out by licensed electrical workers in line with the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 and AS/NZS 3000 and 3010.

• Ensure every job has the right SSSMP, SWMS, permits, toolbox meetings and Take 5 records, and that incidents and near misses are reported through PeopleSafe.

• Maintain SiteWise and ISN prequalification and client specific site access requirements.

Tendering, Scoping and Commercial

• Lead design, specification and scoping for generator and above ground fuel system projects, matching the solution to client needs, budget and regulatory requirements.

• Price installation projects, maintenance contracts and hire rates, and prepare tender submissions with the Office Manager.

• Review contract terms before signing and flag commercial risks, including retentions, liquidated damages, response time obligations and payment terms.

• Set and manage job budgets, track actual cost against estimate, and approve purchase orders and subcontractor claims.

• Provide accurate and timely information for monthly progress claims, maintenance invoicing and hire billing.

People and Team Leadership

• Lead, coach and performance manage the power systems team, including the Wellington Division Lead and 90 day trial reviews for new hires.

• Identify skill gaps and plan training on generator controls, electrical safety, fuel systems and compliance.

• Approve timesheets, overtime, recorded hours, on call allowances and away allowances in line with company policy.

• Build a positive, accountable and safety first culture.

Client Relationships and Growth

• Act as the senior operational contact for power systems and fuel systems clients, keeping them informed on programme, service results and compliance status.

• Grow the maintenance contract base, using certification expiry dates and compliance changes as triggers to offer upgrades and renewals.

• Manage relationships with generator suppliers, tank and fuel equipment suppliers, parts suppliers and subcontractors, including rates, lead times and performance.

Systems, Reporting and Continuous Improvement

• Use Simpro and Xero as the single source of truth for assets, service schedules, hire fleet, job costing and reporting, and stop work from living in separate spreadsheets.

• Develop and maintain power systems procedures, service checklists and report templates.

• Report monthly to the General Manager on division revenue, margins, maintenance compliance, fleet utilisation, safety and resourcing.

• Identify and implement process improvements and technology, including AI and automation tools that reduce admin load.

About you

• 5+ years in an operations, service or project management role in power generation, standby power, mechanical or electrical services
• Strong technical understanding of diesel generator sets, controllers, automatic transfer switches, load bank testing and associated fuel systems
• Experience installing, maintaining and decommissioning above ground fuel tanks and pipework (suction and pressurised systems)
• Experience running planned maintenance contracts and reactive or emergency response for critical sites
• Working knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and the Hazardous Substances Regulations 2017 as they apply to diesel storage, day tanks and above ground fuel systems
• Experience pricing work, preparing tenders and managing job budgets and variations
• Proven experience leading technicians and subcontractors across multiple sites and regions
• Strong user of job management and accounting software (Simpro, Xero or similar)
• Full NZ drivers licence and Site Safe passport