Senior Project Manager

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead complex, high‑visibility projects within the Civil Aviation Authority’s Business Transformation Programme. This is a two‑year fixed‑term role based in Wellington, focused on modernising New Zealand’s aviation regulatory framework.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, execute and close cross‑organisation projects that deliver transformation outcomes.
• Provide thought leadership in shaping business cases and influencing project governance.
• Engage senior leaders, steering groups and present updates to the ELT, Board and committees.
• Monitor and manage risks, issues and changes, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
• Coach and mentor Workstream Leads, Project Managers and Project Coordinators.

Required profile

• Proven experience delivering complex, cross‑organisation projects in a transformation programme.
• Strong relationship‑building and influencing skills at all organisational levels.
• Experience working with senior leaders, steering groups and Board‑level presentations.
• Passion for coaching and developing project delivery capability.
• Proactive, forward‑thinking approach with ability to anticipate challenges.

Required skills

• Project management frameworks such as PRINCE2, PMP or MSP (certification preferred).
• Planning, reporting, risk management and issue resolution.
• Stakeholder and vendor management.