Mātanga Whakawhitiwhiti Whakaaro Communications Specialist

Company Description

Z 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 Description

It’s an exciting time at Z and there is plenty to talk about! With one of our communications team heading off on their parental leave journey we have an opportunity to join our skilled, passionate, and tight-knit Corporate Affairs Business Unit. This 12 month contract starts in late October and includes 2 weeks handover.

As a Mātanga Whakawhitiwhiti Whakaaro Communications Specialist you will support the team with a range of communications mahi, like taking the lead on managing relationships with external providers and developing communications in service of the strategic communications plan.

As this is an intermediate level role in the team, we want you to bring a solid base of communications skills and will offer you great experience in a fast paced, commercial environment. Sound like the right opportunity for you? Let’s kōrero!

You will have the opportunity to

• Work across both internal and external communications, as well as support government and media relations – for example our Good in the Hood mahi and Road Safety campaigns.
• Support our Z Leadership Team members with internal ‘All Hands’ presentations
• Take the lead on our relationships with external suppliers, and be responsible for briefing in content
• Be on the lookout for great storytelling opportunities and ready to respond to media in service of the strategic communications plan
• Keep our Z website and intranet up to date
• Support with some administrative work within the team and step up to support functions of the team as needed

Qualifications

What you’ll bring to Z

• Experience in either internal or external communications in a private or public sector environment, with about 3-5 years communications experience
• A collaborative approach to work, this role will work across the communications team and contribute to a range of areas
• Knowledge of content management systems
• Exposure to the workings of government would be helpful but not essential
• A solid working knowledge of social media platforms, in particular LinkedIn
• The ability to build and manage relationships both at Z and externally
• It almost goes without saying that you will be an excellent communicator – able to adjust your messaging to appeal to a range of audiences
• The ability to commit to a fixed term contract

And of course, you’ll be passionate about what matters to Z, embracing and living our values to help us deliver on our aspirations and broader commitment to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Z we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Additional Information

What we can offer you

• A competitive remuneration package including enhanced employer contribution for KiwiSaver
• 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 $92,100 to $105,000 per annum plus a 5% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

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!

Whakauru | Apply

Please include a cover letter in your application, telling us why you’re a great fit for Z.

Applications close: Friday 5th September 2025

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.

To be considered for this position you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.