Volts coach Vaughn Johnson is confident the former middle order player has the skills to make a successful transition.
Broom opened the batting during the twenty20 campaign last summer and has been used as an opener in one-day competition.
But with Hamish Rutherford promoted to the national side, there was a vacancy at the top of the order in the first-class side.
''I think the time is right for Neil to advance his career in this position,'' Johnson said.
''He has always batted four or at No 3, but it is time to take the bull by the horns and let Neil open in all forms of the game. It is a positive move for us and also for Neil.
''In terms of his international career, which I don't believe is finished, I think an opening spot is probably more available than a middle order spot. So that is part of our thinking and how we can develop Neil as an international player again.''
Johnson said he wants Broom to play his natural game and to continue to play his shots.
''The way we want him to play is we want him to be dominant up front and to form a strong partnership with Aaron Redmond.''
In 68 first-class games for Otago, Broom has scored 4135 runs at an average of 43.07, including 12 centuries.
He missed out yesterday, though. Rain dominated the opening day of Otago's warm-up three-day match against Canterbury in Rangiora.
There was time for 30 overs between showers and Broom was trapped in front for 15 by Logan van Beek.
Aaron Redmond was undefeated on 69, with Michael Bracewell at the wicket with him on 23.
Otago will resume today on 110 for one.
