Senior Project Manager

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Our vision

Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa. The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

About the role

We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Senior Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of the Piopiotahi Visitor Experience Improvement Project, from scoping to completion. This project aims to deliver a world class experience at sites along the Milford Road corridor and at Piopiotahi Milford Sound and transition these to BA operations. You will manage and coordinate various investigation and remediation projects, applying effective project and relationship management methods to ensure their successful completion, before handing them over for ongoing operational maintenance.

Key responsibilities

• Project manage a wide range of deliverables (car park / toilet upgrades, walking track infrastructure, interpretation and cultural storytelling elements) including leading site investigations, options assessments and procurement and contractor monitoring.
• Establish and maintain project documentation, including project management plans, procurement plans, contracts, reporting, and data management, to ensure successful delivery.
• Manage 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 and by engaging the right consultants and contractors and ensuring clarity of scope and expected deliverables and quality standards.
• Identify, mitigate, and manage project risks, ensuring smooth delivery within compliance requirements and deadlines.
• Manage the health and safety of staff, consultants and contractors.

Skills and experience

Desirable

Benefits

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.

Salary

The salary range for this position is $95,706 - $128,271 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

How to apply

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and we will not provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

Accommodation statement

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know.

Application deadline

Applications close at 11 : 59 pm on Sunday, 23 November 2025.

Contact

For further enquiries, please feel free to reach out to Mark Symons, Programme Manager at

Eligibility

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Recruitment agency statement

Please note we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

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