Senior Project Manager (Contract) – Wellington

About the role

Our client is seeking a business‑focused Senior Project Manager to lead a high‑profile, in‑flight programme in Wellington. The role is contract‑based until January 2027, with the possibility of extension, and involves managing complex stakeholder environments, including ministerial and public interest.

Key responsibilities

• Provide proactive oversight of programme delivery, ensuring continuity, quality and alignment with objectives.
• Monitor progress and produce regular high‑quality reports for ministers, governance groups and senior leadership.
• Manage risks and issues, maintain the risk register and escalate appropriately.
• Oversee financial aspects, including expenditure tracking, forecasting and budget control.
• Coordinate third‑party contracts, delivery partners and procurement activities.
• Lead programme closure, including final reporting and support for independent evaluation.
• Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned and review processes.
• Develop and deliver the next programme’s end‑to‑end plan, covering scope, workforce design, recruitment, training and model refresh.
• Prepare briefings, governance papers and support the Senior Responsible Owner with escalations.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders, external agencies and delivery partners.
• Coordinate resources, monitor performance and optimise allocation across the programme.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing large, complex programmes in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong stakeholder and relationship management skills, particularly with government and public sector entities.
• Demonstrated ability to produce clear, concise reports for senior decision‑makers.
• Experience overseeing financial management, risk registers and third‑party contracts.
• Ability to lead programme closure and support evaluation processes.
• Excellent organisational and analytical capabilities.

Required skills