Head of Technology Operations

• Senior leadership role across technology operations and information security
• Lead reliable, resilient and secure technology services in a critical infrastructure environment
• Opportunity to shape IT service management, cyber resilience and operational maturity

WEL Networks plays an important role in keeping the Waikato connected. As our business continues to evolve, technology, data, digital services and cyber resilience are increasingly central to how we support safe, reliable and efficient operations.

We are seeking a Head of Technology Operations to lead WEL’s technology operations and information security functions. Reporting to the GM Data, Digital \& Technology, this role provides clear ownership of IT service management, infrastructure and hybrid cloud platforms, workplace technologies, cyber governance, incident response, disaster recovery, vendor management and continuous improvement.

This is a hands-on strategic leadership role for someone who can translate digital and cyber strategies into practical operating models, service roadmaps, investment plans, controls and technology outcomes that strengthen resilience, protect information and support safe, reliable business operations.

About the role

As Head of Technology Operations, you will lead an integrated Technology Operations and Information Security roadmap, ensuring WEL’s core technology services are highly available, resilient, secure and fit for purpose.

You will provide leadership across infrastructure, networks, data centre and cloud environments, Microsoft 365 technologies, end-user computing and related corporate technology services. You will also own WEL’s information security and cyber risk posture, ensuring effective governance, controls, monitoring, awareness, incident response and ongoing maturity uplift are in place.

You will work closely with executives, business leaders, technical specialists, suppliers and end users to ensure technology services and security controls are practical, well understood and embedded into business planning and delivery.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the Technology Operations and Information Security roadmap.
• Owning the performance, reliability, availability and resilience of WEL’s core technology services.
• Leading cyber governance, security controls, risk assessments, security operations oversight, incident response and overall cyber maturity uplift.
• Strengthening IT service management, including service levels, incident and problem management, change coordination, knowledge management and customer-focused support practices.
• Ensuring disaster recovery, business continuity and cyber incident response arrangements are robust, tested and aligned to WEL’s enterprise risk appetite.
• Leading strategic supplier relationships, contracts, licensing, budgets, lifecycle planning and investment recommendations.
• Providing technology operations and cyber leadership during incidents and high-priority operational events.
• Building capability, clarity, accountability and continuous improvement across the team.

About you

You are a practical, service-oriented technology leader who can balance operational reliability, cyber resilience, customer experience, commercial discipline and risk. You bring sound judgement, integrity, strong communication skills and the ability to lead technical teams, suppliers and business stakeholders through operational pressure, change and continuous improvement.

You will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in information technology, cyber security, engineering, business or a related discipline.
• Significant senior leadership experience in technology operations, IT service management, infrastructure, platforms, workplace technology and/or information security.
• Experience leading cyber risk management, security operations oversight, incident response, disaster recovery and operational resilience practices.
• Commercial discipline across suppliers, contracts, licensing, budgets, lifecycle planning and investment recommendations.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams, build capability and maintain service discipline, accountability and customer focus.

Professional certifications such as ITIL, CISSP, CISM, CISA, CRISC, CCSP or equivalent technology, service management or security certifications would be advantageous. Experience in New Zealand electricity distribution, utilities, critical infrastructure, operational technology-adjacent environments or regulated service businesses would also be highly regarded.

Why WEL?

At WEL, you’ll be part of an organisation that provides essential services to the communities we serve. This role offers the opportunity to lead technology operations in a meaningful environment where resilience, safety, service quality and security matter every day.

For more information about the role, please refer to the position description.

If you are ready to lead a capable team and shape reliable, secure and future-focused technology operations, we would welcome your application.