Senior Project Manager | Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa Mātāmua
Are you an experienced Project Manager keen to make a difference for conservation in Aotearoa?
Do you have a deep understanding of project management and experience across multiple disciplines?
Permanent full time, Christchurch, Dunedin or Invercargill location
Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa
Mō te tūranga | About the role
We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Senior Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of DOC projects from scoping to completion. This role will be responsible for delivering multi-disciple projects and workstreams focusing on infrastructure delivery, integration of IT systems, policy, and advertising. You will manage and co-ordinate various site investigations and workshops across the country and work with other DOC teams and stakeholders to successfully deliver projects.
The position will be focussed on:
Project manage a wide range of deliverables including leading site investigations, stakeholder workshops, options assessments, business analysis, procurement and contractor monitoring.
Establish and maintain project documentation, including project management plans, procurement plans, contracts, reporting, change control, and data management, to ensure successful delivery.
Management of project budgets (OPEX and CAPEX) including accurate forecasting, identification of savings opportunities and ensuring value for money.
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
Work collaboratively with the wider Programme team including the Programme Manager and District Operations to ensure projects are technically robust, lessons are shared, and a consistent approach is achieved.
Turn complex technical processes into efficient, actionable plans by engaging the right consultants and contractors, ensuring clarity of scope, expected deliverables, and quality standards.
Identify, mitigate, and manage project risks, ensuring smooth delivery within compliance requirements and deadlines.
Management of Health and Safety of staff, consultants and contractors
Upholding Te Triti o Waitangi obligations by supporting meaningful engagement with iwi groups and embedding cultural capability and co-design where appropriate
Click here for the Role Description
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:
Minimum 5+ years proven experience managing large-scale, complex projects with a strong understanding of project management practices and principles, risk management, and governance
Experience in delivering complex infrastructure works with Regulatory Approvals eg. building consents, resource consents, Environmental plans
Experience in leading muti-discipline projects/workstreams to deliver successful projects for stakeholders
Experience in procurement and contract management including different contracting delivery models and forms of contracts
Proficiency in MS Office tools and MS Project
Strong financial literacy and management capabilities
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, along with a proven track record of successfully leading cross-functional teams
A thorough understanding of the Health and Safety at Work Act and management of health and safety throughout all stages of project delivery
Experience engaging and working collaboratively with Māori to ensure outcomes meet expectations of our treaty partners
Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguous situations and bring structure and clarity to complex projects
Current full drivers licence
Desirable:
Certified in Prince2 or PMP (or similar) and adept with a range of project management practices and methodologies
Experience and knowledge of working with NZTA in roading corridors
Experience delivering multi-disciplinary project / workstreams including infrastructure, IT integration, policy, advertising
Knowledge or experience in Local or Central Government environments
He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?
DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.
We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader.
Want to know more?
Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now
Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.
If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.
Salary: $96,954 - $129,944, depending on skills and experience.
Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.
Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.
Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 13 September 2026. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Emily Blokker, [email protected]
Skills Required
- At least 5 years of experience managing large-scale, complex projects
- Strong understanding of project management practices, risk management, and governance
- Experience delivering complex infrastructure works requiring regulatory approvals, including building consents, resource consents, and environmental plans
- Experience leading multidisciplinary projects or workstreams
- Experience in procurement and contract management, including different contracting models and contract forms
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and Microsoft Project
- Strong financial literacy and budget management capability
- Excellent interpersonal, stakeholder engagement, influencing, and cross-functional leadership skills
- Understanding of the Health and Safety at Work Act and health and safety management throughout project delivery
- Experience engaging and working collaboratively with Māori
- Ability to navigate ambiguity and provide structure to complex projects
- Current full driver's licence
- PRINCE2, PMP, or similar project management certification
- Experience working with NZTA in roading corridors
- Experience delivering projects involving infrastructure, IT integration, policy, and advertising
- Knowledge or experience in local or central government environments
- Valid New Zealand work visa covering the duration of employment
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What We Do
The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) is a government agency responsible for conserving Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural and historic heritage. It protects and restores nature, leads biodiversity efforts, manages conservation lands and resources, and enables others to contribute to conservation outcomes. DOC also administers relevant conservation legislation and supports the stewardship of land, water, wildlife, and historic places across New Zealand.






