Programme Manager

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection, is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.  

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Smiths Detection is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Project / Programme Manager to lead complex customer-facing projects across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.

Based in Auckland with a hybrid working arrangement, this is a unique and highly autonomous role where you will act as the primary project management lead for the region, driving the successful delivery of airport security and detection technology projects from inception through to completion. You'll oversee multiple concurrent projects while serving as the key interface between customers, internal stakeholders, and delivery teams.

If you're a self-starter who thrives in a hands-on environment, enjoys balancing commercial and operational priorities, and can confidently navigate complex stakeholder relationships, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

As the regional Project / Programme Manager, you will:

• Lead end-to-end delivery of multiple projects and programmes across ANZ and the Pacific Islands
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, risks, resources, and customer expectations
• Serve as the primary customer-facing representative throughout project execution
• Drive project planning, forecasting, reporting, and governance activities
• Partner closely with Sales, Engineering, Service, Supply Chain, Finance, and Global Programmes teams
• Manage contract execution and ensure projects are delivered in line with commercial commitments
• Support customer tenders, project kick-offs, handovers, change management, and contract close-out activities
• Monitor project performance through established controls, reporting mechanisms, and risk management processes
• Ensure successful handover of completed projects to Service and Operations teams
• Travel throughout the region as required to support customer sites and project delivery

What Makes This Role Unique

This is not a traditional project management position.

You will be the dedicated project management lead covering a diverse geographical region that includes major international airports and critical infrastructure customers across ANZ and the Pacific Islands.

Success in this role requires someone who can operate independently, make decisions confidently, build strong customer relationships, and effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously with limited day-to-day supervision.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience

• 10+ years of project or programme management experience
• Proven experience managing multiple concurrent projects in technology, engineering, infrastructure, construction, or related industries
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing contracts, customer commitments, and project financials
• Hands-on field delivery experience and the ability to manage projects beyond the desk
• Demonstrated success delivering projects throughout the full project lifecycle
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience engaging customers and senior leadership teams
• Experience operating within matrix organisations and influencing cross-functional teams

Preferred Experience

• Airport, aviation, security technology, infrastructure, defence, or complex systems integration experience
• Experience with project management methodologies such as PMP, PRINCE2, Waterfall, Agile, or Hybrid approaches
• Knowledge of project controls, scheduling, forecasting, risk management, and change management
• Familiarity with tools such as MS Project, MS Visio, SAP, AutoCAD, Primavera, Power BI, or similar

Personal Attributes

We're looking for someone who is:

• Highly self-motivated and proactive
• Comfortable working independently and taking ownership
• Commercially minded with strong business judgement
• Customer-focused and relationship driven
• Organised, resilient, and able to manage competing priorities
• A natural communicator who can engage effectively at all levels
• Willing to travel across the region to ensure successful project delivery

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website.