Te Tākinatanga - Our Story   
 
At Contact, we believe home is the most important place in the world. That belief shapes everything we do, from leading the energy transition to how we power Aotearoa and care for our people and communities. 

We’re a power, broadband, and mobile company, but we’re also investing boldly in renewable energy and smarter, more connected ways of working (mahi). Our ambition is simple: to leave Aotearoa better than we found it. 

Guided by our tikanga, we’re a team who care deeply about the work we do, how we support one another, and the impact we have. Simply put, we touch lives to make life better. 

Within our Technology, Data & AI function, we’re building the capability to turn data into real, meaningful outcomes, better experiences for our customers, smarter decisions for our people, and stronger performance across the business.  

This Data Scientist role sits right at the heart of that journey. As we continue to grow our data and AI capability, we need people who can go beyond dashboards and basic tools. We want to create advanced solutions that move the dial and help shape what “great” looks like for Contact.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The Opportunity  

This is a hands-on, impact-focused role where you’ll design and deliver data science and AI solutions that solve real business problems, working as part of a cross-functional squad.  

What this looks like in practice: 

• Owning the end-to-end delivery of data science solutions, from problem framing through to production and ongoing improvement  
• Building advanced models, generative AI tools, and insight-driven products that go beyond what standard tools can achieve  
• Partnering closely with stakeholders to test ideas, demonstrate value early, and iterate based on real-world feedback  
• Working within agile squads and across domains, learning the business deeply and applying your expertise where it matters most 
• Contributing to a growing data science capability, sharing knowledge, lifting standards, and helping shape how we work  

This is a role with real visibility and impact. You’ll be solving complex problems, building solutions that are used in the real world, and helping push Contact forward in how we use data and AI. 

Ko wai koe | About You    

You’re an experienced Data Scientist who enjoys turning complex problems into practical solutions, and seeing your work used in the real world. 

You’ll likely bring: 

• Proven experience in data science (typically 3–5 years), with strong Python & SQL capability 
• Experience with MLOps, AIOps, or data engineering practices 
• Experience building and delivering data or AI solutions into production environments 
• Strong analytical, statistical and modelling skills, with the ability to work across structured and unstructured data 
• Confidence communicating complex ideas in a clear, practical way 
• Experience working in agile or fast-paced, evolving environments 

Just as importantly, it’s how you work: 

• Curious and proactive, you’re comfortable with ambiguity and enjoy figuring things out 
• Collaborative, you share knowledge, learn from others, and contribute to a strong team culture  
• Impact-focused, you care about delivering solutions that actually get used 

Nice to have (but not essential): 

• Exposure to platforms like Databricks, AWS or Spark 
• Experience working with complex data pipelines or large-scale environments 
• Understanding of the New Zealand electricity industry 

If you don’t tick every box but this sounds like the kind of mahi you want to do, we’d still love to hear from you. 

At Contact, you’ll be part of a team that’s building something meaningful, growing capability, trying new things, and learning along the way. This isn’t a role where everything is already defined, so if you enjoy working in evolving environments and shaping how things are done, you’ll feel right at home here. 

We support flexible working where it works for the individual, the team and the business. This role can be based in Auckland or Wellington, and this role is best suited to someone who can work flexibly from one of these locations to enable strong in person connection and collaboration when needed.  

Contact is not a place you’ll stagnate. We’re growing, evolving, and investing in our people. We also offer a bunch of other perks like free health insurance cover, boosted KiwiSaver, access to Contact Shares, a ‘Good to be Home’ annual payment toward your home set up & wellbeing, a trail-blazing parental leave policy, twice yearly payments towards our products if you’re a Contact customer, and more! 
 
Applications close on Wednesday 10th June. But just like peak demand, great talent surges early, so if this role sparks your interest, power up your application now! 

Here at Contact Energy (Te Mata Hiko), we know our strength lies in developing a sense of belonging - one that helps us attract and retain people with a broad range of perspectives and experiences.

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Our goal is to reflect the diversity of our customers and communities to help build a better Aotearoa New Zealand.

We have a rich community of talented people that we support to thrive at Contact.

Our inclusive hiring process is designed to embrace the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand, ensuring a wide range of perspectives are included in our decision-making and helping reduce bias along the way.

The wellbeing of our kaimahi is super important to us.

We use employee insights to offer a range of initiatives and resources to support physical, mental, financial and emotional wellbeing – including flexible working arrangements, employee network groups and a market-leading parental leave policy.

At Te Mata Hiko, we want everyone to thrive. We welcome applicants far and wide - of every age, stage, background, and pride. Join us and be part of a team that values your passion and attitude just as much as your experience and skills.

Please note, only candidates with the right to live and work in New Zealand will be considered for this role.

Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet 60% of the criteria, women and those in underrepresented groups tend to only apply if they tick every box. We're not about box ticking, so if you think you have what it takes but don't meet everything stated above, please still get in touch. We'd love to kōrero.

Te Mata Hiko (Contact Energy) does not accept any CVs received from recruitment agencies where a formal engagement has not been confirmed and agreed to with our Talent team. In the event that unsolicited CVs are submitted by recruitment agencies, Te Mata Hiko (Contact Energy) reserves the right to contact these candidates directly and consider them for current/future vacancies without any financial obligation to the recruitment agency in question. This will also apply to any CVs sent directly to line managers.