Senior Project Managers | Flexible

Job Description

These roles are fixed term positions in response to increased demand within our high priority work programmes. We are surging in people and resources in response to these priorities.

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the role

We are seeking two experienced Senior Project Managers to join a major Planning System Transformation programme delivering significant business, policy, data and digital change across the sector.

These fixed-term roles sit within an established Programme Management Office (PMO) and play a critical leadership role in shaping and delivering complex, high-impact initiatives. This is not business-as-usual project delivery — you will be working at system level, helping design and implement new operating models, enabling policy reform, and delivering entirely new digital tools and services that will be used across the country.

You will partner closely with senior leaders, policy teams, architects, digital specialists, and delivery partners to turn strategic intent into executable programmes of work. The environment is fast-moving, ambiguous, and outcomes-focused — well suited to confident, pragmatic PMs who thrive in transformation settings.

We have two focus areas:

• Digital & Data Enablement – leading delivery of new platforms, products, and digital services
• National Instruments & Policy Delivery – enabling complex policy and regulatory change through structured programme delivery

Please indicate your preference in your application.

This is a rare opportunity to contribute to one of New Zealand's most significant reform programmes and to deliver change that has lasting national impact.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We're looking for senior practitioners who bring credibility, judgement, and the ability to lead in complexity.

You will bring:

• Proven experience leading large-scale digital or data-enabled transformation programmes
• Experience operating within PMO or enterprise programme environments, balancing governance with delivery momentum
• Confidence working in ambiguity, evolving scope, and complex stakeholder landscapes
• Strong stakeholder leadership, including working with senior executives, policy leaders, architects, and technology teams
• Experience shaping delivery approaches, sequencing work, and managing interdependencies across multiple workstreams
• Experience developing or contributing to business cases and investment planning
• Familiarity with Treasury Better Business Case (BBC) methodology (advantageous)
• A strong understanding of how policy intent, business needs, and technology delivery intersect

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range for this role is $142,185 to $172,852 pa.  Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.  

Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE  

• a flexible working approach to embrace a healthy work-life blend 
• agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as ‘One MfE' 
• active employee networks including Māori Rōpū, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network 
• opportunities for development and education.           

Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.  

Tono ināianei | Apply now  

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter.  Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.     

If you require further information about this position please contact Sally Morison at sally.morison@mfe.govt.nz.  The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.  

The location for this role is flexible which means you can work anywhere in New Zealand and there is an option to work from home.  As a flexible friendly employer, we are happy to discuss solutions that may work for you and the business.  We value and care about enabling our people to work in a way that means they can work at their best.   

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture.  We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.  We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.   

We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all.  Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you.  Please contact us at vacancy@mfe.govt.nz if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.  

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.  

Note: for internal permanent kaimahi who are applying for a secondment, you must speak with your Manager before submitting your application.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:   Sunday 1st March 2026 @ 5pm