PMO Lead | Wellington

Job Description

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   

Join us in shaping a flourishing environment for every generation. We are seeking an experienced and inspiring PMO Lead to help drive transformational change within the Planning System Transformation Programme. This is a pivotal role that ensures programme excellence, governance strength, and delivery confidence across a high‑profile, complex, and multi‑year programme of work. This is a fixed term role until 11 December 2026.

As the PMO Lead, you will establish and lead a high‑performing Programme Management Office. You will embed robust programme and project management standards, enable strong governance, and provide transparent, high‑quality reporting that supports evidence‑based decision-making. Your leadership will help ensure that benefits are realised, risks are well managed, and the programme maintains momentum across its strategic priorities.

You will work closely with the Programme Director and senior leadership, providing trusted insights, assurance, and strategic advice. You'll also build capability across the programme, championing continuous improvement while strengthening delivery disciplines and stakeholder confidence. A deep understanding of Te Ao Māori, te Tiriti o Waitangi, and how to appropriately provide for Mātauranga Māori in programme work is essential.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience   

• Extensive experience leading or operating in PMO, programme, or project governance environments.
• Proven ability to establish and embed standards across multiple initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior levels.
• Expertise in project management methodologies (e.g. PRINCE2, MSP, Agile).
• Strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience navigating ambiguity and operating with strong judgment.
• Deep knowledge of government systems, the Treaty of Waitangi, and partnership expectations.
• Experience delivering large-scale cross‑government initiatives.
• People leadership experience and the ability to develop capability in others.

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range for this role is $201,261 to $243,868 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 on 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 8^th March 2026 @ 5pm