Programme Architect

Job title : Programme Architect

Role type : Full time, fixed term through to March

Location : Wellington City

Salary band & range : GSR B $138,938 to $178,986 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Korero mo te Turanga

As Programme Architect for the Plant Health and Environment Capability (PHEC) programme, you will lead the architectural direction for one of our most dynamic and high-profile initiatives.

This large-scale programme spans multiple workstreams and requires strategic oversight to ensure alignment with organisational priorities.

You will work collaboratively across diverse teams, engaging with stakeholders to understand requirements, risks, and dependencies.

This is not purely a technology role, it demands exceptional relationship management, negotiation, and influencing skills.

You'll scope high-level initiatives, facilitate consensus on delivery approaches, and provide thought leadership to both stakeholders and other architects.

Your ability to translate complex needs into actionable architectural strategies will be critical.

This position requires an experienced solution architect with a proven track record of leading cross-functional engagements and delivering strategic outcomes.

You'll partner with programme and project managers to plan efficient delivery, while ensuring architectural integrity across initiatives.

Success in this role means helping people understand the bigger picture, guiding decisions on whether to buy, build, reuse solutions.

About You - Mou

You will bring significant experience in providing architectural leadership for large-scale initiatives, with a proven ability to guide complex programmes and influence outcomes.

This role demands someone who can combine technical expertise with exceptional communication and relationship management skills.

You are confident in tailoring conversations to meet stakeholders where they are, translating complex ideas into clear, actionable insights.

Your ability to identify stakeholder concerns, adapt messaging, and present solutions in a way that resonates with different audiences is critical.

This is a people-focused role with a strong technology component, requiring collaboration, negotiation, and strategic thinking.

You will demonstrate :

• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills to communicate ideas effectively and influence stakeholders.
• The ability to tailor communication for non-technical stakeholders, addressing their priorities and concerns.
• Extensive architecture experience spanning a broad range of technology domains.

You do not need to meet all of the role requirements to apply.

We offer a breadth of development and learning opportunities and will welcome an application if you think you could make a great fit.

About the Team - Mo to matou Ropu

Our team is collaborative, supportive, and focused on delivering outcomes that align with MPI's strategic direction.

We work across multiple initiatives, bringing together diverse expertise to achieve shared goals.

You'll join a group that values open communication, problem-solving, and innovation.

We operate in a dynamic environment where adaptability and teamwork are key.

The team is geographically distributed but highly connected, using digital tools to collaborate effectively.

We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

About MPI - Mo te Manatu Ahu Matua

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.

Benefits of working at MPI - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu Ahu Matua

Security checks - Nga Taki Whakahaumaru

Low level Security Clearance

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

Are you ready to make a difference?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapu, whanau and hapori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities.

As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatu Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and / or apply online, please click "APPLY FOR THIS JOB" or visit the MPI Careers Site.

To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at

If you have any questions about the role, please email

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