Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa | Project Manager - HR & Payroll Transformation | Wellington

Job Description

• Fixed Term / Secondment until December 2026 
• Start date January 2026

Help shape how the Ministry for the Environment works, enabling our people to do what they do best. We're modernising our HR and payroll systems and need a Project Manager to lead the testing and deployment of new systems. This is a critical role ensuring our solutions land successfully and deliver real value.

You'll join a collaborative, high-performing team delivering a transformational programme that will improve how we support our kaimahi, from performance management to payroll, learning, and beyond.

This role is a fixed term position 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   

As Project Manager, you'll take ownership of planning and delivering the testing and deployment phases of our HR and payroll transformation. You'll work closely with SaaS vendors, internal IT teams, our stakeholders, and the change management team to ensure a smooth transition to our new systems.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading user acceptance testing (UAT), defect resolution, and deployment activities.
• Managing relationships with SaaS vendors and ensuring deliverables meet quality standards.
• Coordinating cutover planning and readiness activities.
• Identifying and managing risks, issues, and dependencies across workstreams.
• Driving progress in a fast-paced environment and ensuring deadlines are met.
• This role is ideal for someone who is a proactive self-starter, thrives on delivery, and can navigate complexity with confidence.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience   

• Proven experience managing projects in a SaaS or cloud-based environment.
• Strong background in testing and deployment, including UAT leadership and defect management.
• Skilled in vendor management and building strong delivery partnerships.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritise in a dynamic setting.
• Effective communication skills and confidence engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to facilitate workshops (in-person and virtual)
• Commitment to te ao Māori and growing your cultural capability.
• Familiarity with Agile delivery methods. - Desirable
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) - Desirable
• Experience in public sector transformation programmes - Desirable
• Proficiency in collaboration and planning tools - Desirable 

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range for this role is $110,501 to $134,128 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 shaun.seebaluck@mfe.govt.nz.  The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.   

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 9th November 2025