Senior Project Manager – High‑Profile Programme (Wellington)

About the role

Our client is seeking a business‑focused Senior Project Manager to lead a high‑profile, in‑flight programme in Wellington. You will operate in a fast‑paced, highly visible environment with significant public, ministerial and stakeholder interest.

Key responsibilities

• Provide proactive oversight of programme delivery, ensuring continuity, quality and alignment with objectives.
• Monitor progress, produce regular high‑quality reports for Ministers, governance groups and senior leadership.
• Manage risks, issues and the risk register, escalating where necessary.
• Maintain financial oversight, track expenditure and forecast budgets.
• Oversee third‑party contracts, delivery partners and procurement activities.
• Lead programme closure, reporting and support independent evaluation processes.
• Design and deliver the next programme, including workforce planning, recruitment and training.
• Prepare briefings, governance papers and support the Senior Responsible Owner with escalations.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders, external agencies and delivery partners.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing large, complex programmes in a public or government setting.
• Strong stakeholder and relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle risk, issue and financial management.
• Experience coordinating third‑party providers and procurement processes.
• Excellent communication and reporting capabilities.

Required skills

What we offer

• Fixed‑term contract until January 2027 with possible extension.
• Opportunity to work on a high‑visibility programme with senior government stakeholders.