Senior Project Manager

Job Title

Senior Project Manager

Job Description Summary

The Senior Project Manager / Programme Delivery Manager is responsible for leading the delivery of complex capital and refurbishment projects across the Upper North Island Corrections portfolio, covering Auckland Prison and Waikeria Prison. This role provides strategic oversight of project and programme delivery, ensuring alignment with client objectives, contractual requirements, and organisational standards.
The position plays a critical leadership role in developing and mentoring a team of project professionals, ensuring consistency of delivery, strong commercial performance, and high‑quality stakeholder engagement across multiple secure sites.

Job Description

Key ResponsibilitiesProject & Programme Delivery

• Provide high‑level oversight of projects across the Corrections portfolio, aligned to annual budgets and client requirements.

• Develop and manage master project plans, budgets, and timelines.

• Oversee all phases of project delivery, including concept, design, construction, and handover.

• Ensure project outcomes meet contractual, operational, and quality expectations.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary liaison between clients, facility management teams, and project stakeholders.

• Provide clear, timely communication on progress, risks, and recommendations.

• Deliver regular updates to internal stakeholders, including senior leadership, on project performance and financial outcomes.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to corporate policies, building codes, safety regulations, and contractual obligations.

• Monitor and report on project performance, risks, and compliance metrics.

• Manage consultant and contractor procurement, contracting, and performance oversight.

Financial & Contract Management

• Develop and monitor annual project budgets, including monthly reviews and forecasting.

• Review and approve requisitions, change orders, and invoices.

• Ensure project teams meet business and client contractual requirements, including KPIs and reporting obligations.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 3–5 project professionals across Auckland and Waikeria.

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Support capability development to ensure consistent, high‑quality delivery.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to enhance project delivery processes, tools, and methodologies.

• Support business development and client engagement initiatives as required.

Key RelationshipsInternal

• Project Delivery Manager

• Project Managers and Project Coordinators

• Facilities Management Teams

• Senior Leadership Team

• Commercial, Finance, and Health & Safety Teams

External

• Client representatives

• Client‑side project managers

• Contractors, consultants, and engineers

• Regulatory and compliance stakeholders

• Vendor and service partners

Key Competencies

• Client Focus & Relationship Management

• Strategic Leadership & Decision‑Making

• High Commercial Acumen (financial literacy and legal understanding)

• Communication Excellence (oral and written)

• Organisational & Time Management Skills

• Technical Proficiency in Project Delivery

• Risk Management & Problem‑Solving

• People Management & Development

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction, or a related discipline.

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience delivering complex capital or infrastructure projects.

• Minimum 3+ years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.

• Experience in government, justice, or high‑security environments preferred.

• PPP contract knowledge highly desirable.

• Professional certifications (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile) advantageous.

• Strong commercial, financial, and contractual understanding.

INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”