Senior Project Manager

Our vision : Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Senior Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of the RAL Redundant Infrastructure Removal Project and the Whakapapa 3 Waters Upgrade Project, from scoping to completion, and the delivery of the Tongariro cycle trail. These projects aim to remove all redundant ski field infrastructure from Whakapapa and Turoa Ski Fields, undertake an upgrade to the Whakapapa village 3 waters infrastructure, and oversee delivery / construction of the Tongariro cycle trail, and seamlessly transition these to BAU 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 include

• Project manage a wide range of remediation / construction activities including leading site investigations, options assessments, 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 nationally consistent approach is achieved.
• Turn complex technical processes into efficient, actionable plans by engaging the right consultants and contractors, and ensuring clarity of scope, expected deliverables and quality standards.
• Identify, mitigate, and manage project risks, ensuring smooth delivery within compliance requirements and deadlines.
• Manage Health and Safety for staff, consultants, and contractors.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you :

• Proven experience managing large‑scale, complex infrastructure projects with a strong understanding of project management principles, risk management, and governance.
• Experience in civil infrastructure deconstruction and 3 waters infrastructure and / or visitor infrastructure construction.
• 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.

Desirable

• Certified in Prince2 or Agile (or similar) and adept with a range of project management practices and methodologies.
• Experience working within an outdoors environment and the associated challenges that it provides.
• Experience in the implementation of 3 waters, reticulation and disposal, coastal and river protection structures such as seawalls and revetments.
• Knowledge or experience in Local or Central Government environments.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

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.

Benefits

You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

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 provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

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

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.

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

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

Rā whakakapi | Applications close

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

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai

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

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