Principal Product Manager - Distribution Networks

Job Description

At Vector, we’re redefining what’s possible in the energy sector - pioneering new technologies, forging global partnerships, and building a cleaner, more connected future for Aotearoa and beyond. Our commitment to innovation and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, empowering our people to solve real-world challenges and deliver lasting impact for our customers and communities. 

Learn more about how Vector is reshaping the energy sector through collaborations with the biggest names globally: https://vimeo.com/1115324829?share=copy 

Within Vector, VTS (Vector Technology Solutions) develops intelligent software solutions for utilities. We’re a talented team of product, design and technology professionals with a shared passion for using energy data to drive smarter, more sustainable outcomes. 

Our Diverge platform equips distribution utilities and smart metering operators to adapt and meet the demands and disruptions of the energy transition. It combines and delivers energy data across the Utility and from external sources in a powerful, utility-grade, utility-scale system supporting next-generation customer service, accelerating electrification, integrating renewables and enhancing network visibility.  

If you’re passionate about building a cleaner, more connected future, join us. The future isn’t waiting – we’re building it now. 

The Role

As Principal Product Manager for our Electricity Distribution offering, you’ll play a key role in leading the evolution of our Diverge platform as used by distribution utilities. You’ll work closely with customers, partners, and internal teams to expand the solution’s capabilities, using data in new ways to solve operational and planning challenges for utilities.  

On a typical week you can expect to be: 

• Leading product discovery, validation, and quality assurance for new use cases (e.g., LV visibility, anomaly detection, solar and EV charging detection, network mapping validation, operational insights). You are trusted to guide the team to ask the right questions and identify the key problems to solve. 
• Engaging with prospective and current customers with product demos and discovery workshops 
• Collaborating with Design, Engineering, Delivery, and Customer Success teams to bring new capabilities to life for our customers 
• Preparing and pitching investment proposals for product investment  
• Keep track of our product’s performance and success with customers through metrics and direct engagement 
• Lead our responses to competitive tenders (RFI/RFP), assessing business and technical requirements against our product’s capabilities. 
• Give presentations and demos to external audiences 
• Building our teams' collective expertise and confidence in solving complex and domain-specific problems. 
• Developing joint value propositions with partners and contributing to marketing collateral.  

Who are we looking for? 

We’re seeking someone with first-hand utility experience - ideally in operations or planning, or someone with experience working for software / energy tech vendors serving electric utilities. 

• Extensive knowledge of utility distribution network businesses, their objectives, and key results.  
• 3+ years’ experience in utility network planning or operations, or supporting distribution network teams in a digital/IT function, or working for a utility software vendor; or  
• 5+ years with systems integrators/consultants, including 3+ years on utility systems integration or digital transformation projects.  
• Undergraduate degree in electrical engineering.  

You’Ll Also Bring :

• Excellent written and verbal communicating skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly to a range of audiences. 
• Strong fluency in business and IT operating metrics, including service level agreements (SLAs), regulatory compliance, and profit and loss (P&L) management.  
• Up-to-date understanding of industry trends and awareness of the competitive landscape within utilities and technology.  
• A genuine interest in, and familiarity with, digital product development and innovation. 
• Exposure or experience in Data Science & Analytics a distinct bonus!  

Why Vts

We know that great energy starts with great people, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you can be, do and achieve your best: 

• Enhance your wellbeing, protect your future and empower your personal and professional growth through our benefits package 
• Supercharge your career through internal opportunities, our progression scheme, tailored development plans and investment in your learning and growth 
• We value diverse perspectives, which drive innovation and creativity. We encourage everyone to bring their full selves to work, embracing ideas that challenge and inspire 
• Build a legacy doing work that matters – we’re keeping the lights on across Auckland, and driving a sustainable energy future for New Zealand. 

Apply Now!

Applications close by 7 November; however, interviews may be held sooner – apply today! 

We know that some people may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet every single requirement. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply anyway - your skills, enthusiasm, and unique perspective could be just what we’re looking for.  

Vector values diversity in all its forms and welcomes people of all backgrounds, experiences, identities and abilities to be part of our team. 

Additional Information

We know that some people may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet every single requirement. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply anyway - your skills, enthusiasm, and unique perspective could be just what we’re looking for.

Vector values diversity in all its forms and welcomes people of all backgrounds, experiences, identities and abilities to be part of our team.