Operations Excellence Specialist

Company DescriptionZ has a clear purpose: Powering better journeys, today and tomorrow. As one of New Zealand’s largest transport energy companies, we have a commitment to delivering safe, secure, and reliable transport energy – with the opportunity to deliver new journeys, with new energy solutions in a changing world.We are proud to be the Kiwi contingent in the Ampol Group, an independent Trans-Tasman energy company, with trading offices across the globe, which are united behind our shared purpose. While many of the challenges and opportunities we face go beyond national boundaries, together we have the scale, influence, and capability to deliver for our customers, communities, and our people.Job DescriptionThe Energy Solutions team is in the privileged position to play a meaningful role in what is the biggest challenge of our generation – climate change. We will achieve this by rapidly leveraging our privileged assets, brands, customer bases and expertise across geographies to accelerate the rollout of our alternative energy market offerings. We are committed to reducing our own emissions and to playing an important role in assisting our customers to navigate the energy transition by reducing their transport emissions.We are bold and ambitious regional champions for the areas of the energy transition we commit to enable. We create innovative solutions to meet our customers’ needs, making their energy transition easy.About The RoleThe Operational Excellence Specialist provides independent oversight, challenge, and assurance of operational risk, safety, and process management practices across the Energy Solutions business and programs.Operating as part of the second line of defence, the role ensures that risk and safety controls are effective, business processes are compliant, and that continuous improvement initiatives strengthen resilience, reliability, and operational excellence.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and maintain operational excellence frameworks, standards, and policies aligned to risk and safety requirements, including an Annual OE Plan. Monitor the effectiveness of first line operational controls for risk and safety and review incident investigations, and risk assessments. Develop a structured and regular approach to OE reporting across Energy Solutions. Develop a systematic approach to co-ordinating the delivery of OE related tasks. Support uplift of risk and safety capability through training, guidance, and knowledge sharing. Promote a culture of operational discipline, continuous improvement, and proactive risk management. Facilitate root cause analysis and promote lessons learned across the business. Analyse trends from incidents, audits, and risk assessments to recommend systemic improvements.Act as a trusted advisor and challenger to the first line, providing independent input on risk and safety decisions. Collaborate with business units to embed operational excellence principles. QualificationsStrong understanding of risk management frameworks and the three lines of defence model. Demonstrated expertise in safety management systems, incident investigation, and regulatory compliance. Ability to conduct assurance activities (audits, process reviews, risk assessments) and report findings clearly. Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify systemic risks and recommend practical improvements. Excellent stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and influencing skills, with the ability to constructively challenge. Tertiary qualification in project management, business management, engineering or related discipline or demonstrated equivalent knowledge Additional InformationWhat we can offer youA competitive remuneration package including short-term incentive plan, medical insurance for you and your family, enhanced employer contribution for KiwiSaver Generous leave provisions including enhanced sick leave, parental leave benefits and the option to buy additional leave The balance of hybrid working, enjoy some of your week at home and some in our welcoming office space The opportunity to contribute and be part of a supportive team that is here to make a difference A chance to build your own capability through learning from some of the industry’s most knowledgeable people who have a desire to share their insights along with access to upskilling opportunities and career development across the organisation Two days a year to do Good in your Hood, though our volunteering scheme, a chance for you to help others in your community in a meaningful way to you The base salary range for this role is $115,000.00 to $125,000.00 per annum, plus 15% STI based on company performance, a 5% KiwiSaver employer contribution and health insurance through Southern Cross.Why Z?Z has always been a proud Kiwi company. We’re aspirational for our future, confident of our role in Aotearoa New Zealand’s success and deeply loyal to our customers, communities and people.At Z we focus on achieving extraordinary outcomes by setting the appropriate context, rather than by telling our people what to do. By doing this, high performing and talented people deliver better results and are more personally fulfilled.We care deeply for our people while pushing them to achieve their best as individuals and collectively as an organisation. Our flexible working approach and Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick accreditations - backed by our strong company values, Tū Kaha Stand Up, Tū Maia Speak Out, Tū Kotahi Side by Side - have created an open and inclusive workplace that promotes personal development and is underpinned by a desire for our people and our communities to succeed.One of the things we stand for at Z is Diversity & Inclusion. It is our belief that having a diverse workforce make it possible for our people to truly be themselves and deliver on our aspirations for Z.We’re distinctive in our approach and if you’re up for a challenge, we’d love you to be part of it. If Z sounds like a place you believe you can add value and grow your own capability, then make sure you read Our Why. This is our founding document and provides further insights in what it means to part of the Z whānau.If Z feels like a good match for your head and your heart, come join us for one heck of a journey!Please include a cover letter in your application, telling us why you’re a great fit for Z.