Senior Project Manager at Department of Conservation, Canterbury

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Are you an experienced Project Manager looking for your next challenge?
• Salary range between $96,185 - $137,000 depending on skills and experience.
• Permanent role, Christchurch, Dunedin or Alexandra locations preferred.

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role
DOC's Enterprise Portfolio Management Office (EPMO) is strengthening its capability and is looking for a Senior Project Manager to lead Dam Safety Programme works.

The position will be focussed on:

• End to end delivery of complex projects, including business case development, scoping, planning, and execution across multiple workstreams.
• Aligning projects with strategic objectives, ensuring clear articulation and realisation of benefits and management of risks, issues, and dependencies.
• Managing project performance, including budgets, schedules, reporting, change control, and transition to business-as-usual operations.
• Establishing and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships, ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and governance engagement.
• Strong workshop facilitation skills and problem identification whilst working in collaboration with and across business units.
• Overseeing procurement and supplier management, ensuring delivery quality and value for money.
• Upholding Treaty obligations by supporting meaningful engagement with iwi and Māori and embedding cultural capability and co-design where appropriate.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
We are looking for an experienced project manager with growth mindset who can effectively navigate the ambiguity and risks associated with infrastructure projects. You should be adaptable, focused, and credible, able to instil confidence in stakeholders while leading projects. You will be a good listener and a problem solver, possessing excellent communication and negotiation skills with a commitment to achieving the best outcomes.

You will also have;

• Proven experience leading end-to-end capital works projects (from scoping to delivery), in particular civil / infrastructure works which may have had a heritage component .
• Minimum of 5+ years' experience and a thorough knowledge of project management practices and principles.
• Experience with delivery of projects that require Regulatory Approval including e.g. Building Consent, Engineering Plan Approval, and Resource Consent, Heritage/Archaeological permits and conservation authorisations.
• Skilled in project management in a complex and changing environment, translating analysis into practical implementation, skilled in using a range of project management methodologies.
• Competent at undertaking business analysis, prioritising work, financial planning, budgetary management and using resources efficiently and effectively to deliver desired project outputs.
• Experience in project controls, including quality, schedule, and budget.
• Able to take evidence and data around complex issues and turn it into and present insightful advice.
• Experience in procurement and contract management including different contracting delivery models and New Zealand forms of contract.
• Ability to review and prepare written reports, and to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Current full driving licence.

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. You can learn more about what we offer here.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kaimahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

Tonoa inaiānei | 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, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

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

The salary range for this position is $96,185 - $137,000 with the starting salary of the successful applicant based on their relevant skills and experience. Please note we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

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

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 17 May 2026.
Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Aleena Antony, Senior Recruitment Advisor at aantony@doc.govt.nz.