Engineering Change Portfolio Project Manager

Babcock International; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave and wellbeing leave

LinkedIn Learning access

Defence sector experience

Job summary

Babcock New Zealand is seeking an Engineering Project Manager to lead Engineering Change projects for RNZN vessels from planning through delivery, coordinating defence stakeholders, engineers and subcontractors to ensure operational readiness.

You will drive governance, manage budgets and schedules, lead a multidisciplinary team, and champion safety and continuous improvement while complying with NZ Defence clearance requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering engineering, marine, defence or complex infrastructure projects.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong commercial acumen and commitment to safety and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex engineering change projects for RNZN vessels from planning through to delivery.
• Drive delivery, governance, risk and stakeholder engagement.
• Manage budgets, schedules and multidisciplinary project teams.

Skills

Project planning

Budget control

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Governance

Risk management

Resource management

Education

Degree or Diploma in Engineering

Job description

• Lead complex engineering change projects for RNZN vessels.
• Drive delivery, governance, risk and stakeholder engagement.
• Manage budgets, schedules and multidisciplinary project teams.

Babcock is looking for an Engineering Project Manager to join the Engineering Change team based in Devonport, Auckland.

About the role

Join Babcock New Zealand and lead critical Engineering Change projects that directly support the operational readiness of the Royal New Zealand Navy fleet. Working across a diverse portfolio, you'll manage complex projects from planning through to delivery, collaborating with defence stakeholders, engineers, subcontractors and commercial teams to achieve outstanding outcomes.

This is an opportunity to influence high-profile maritime programmes where your leadership, project management expertise and commercial acumen will make a genuine impact. You'll enjoy a varied and challenging environment, lead a capable multidisciplinary team, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to projects that strengthen New Zealand's defence capability and long-term fleet sustainability.

About You

You are an experienced project management professional with a strong background delivering engineering, marine, defence or complex infrastructure projects. You thrive in fast-paced environments, confidently balancing competing priorities while leading high-performing teams. Your ability to engage stakeholders, manage risk, control budgets and deliver projects on schedule sets you apart. You communicate effectively at all levels, demonstrate sound commercial judgement, and take ownership of outcomes. Most importantly, you're committed to safety, collaboration and continuous improvement, with eligibility for a NZ Defence Security Clearance.

Key Required Skills

• Project planning and delivery
• Budget and cost control
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Team leadership and people management
• Project governance and reporting
• Resource, capability and capacity management

Key Required Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Engineering or related discipline
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a New Zealand Defence Security Clearance (Confidential Vetting)

Your future at Babcock – what we offer you

• Our work life integration policy brings together leave entitlements which include annual leave, wellbeing leave, paid parental leave, defence reservist leave plus more;
• We will provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career, supported by our capability framework plus ongoing access to self-led learning modules through LinkedIn Learning and access to study leave;
• You’ll have access to beRewarded which will provide you with endless discounts across retail, health, entertainment, travel and much more, plus novated leasing options and corporate shares plan;
• Your wellbeing is supported through our online wellbeing program Munch, Mind, Move, Money, access to our employee assistance program plus you can access two days annually from your personal leave as wellbeing days;
• You’ll have …<...>

Who we are

Babcock Australasia combines the best talent and in-country expertise while leveraging the rich 130+ year global heritage of Babcock International Group, a FTSE 100 international defence company.

Our team of 1,800+ experienced staff ensure critical services and assets are readily available, affordable, and future proof. From maritime sustainment and secure communications, to lifesaving helicopter missions and managing critical fleets, we ensure our customers are equipped to fulfil their mission.

Locally in New Zealand, our Centre of Engineering partners with the Royal New Zealand Navy to provide complete engineering, maintenance, repair and overhaul services to the entire fleet. As the Navy’s strategic maritime partner, we also undertake ship conversions, life extensions, retrofits and major repairs in dry-dock or in water for our customers. Located on the Devonport Naval Base, this is a great opportunity to work in partnership with our customer and see the results of your hard work firsthand.

We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and experience however, the successful candidate must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand and capable of obtaining a New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Security Clearance.

Please note, should your application progress you may be required to complete pre-employment checks. These checks may include but not limited to, reference checks, MOJ, security check, qualifications and right to work.

Babcock Australasia is a Circle Back Initiative Employer - we commit to respond to every applicant.

Closing date for internal applicants is on 17/8/26.