Manager, Programme Management Office

Ministry for Primary Industries; Auckland; On-site; NZD 142,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Additional MPI leave days

Annual Wellness payment

Eye care support

Job summary

Ministry for Primary Industries seeks a senior leader to head the PHEC Programme Office. You will ensure best-practice programme management across non-build components, align with governance frameworks, and drive collaboration across streams and agencies.

The role requires strategic oversight, operational excellence, and strong leadership to deliver biosecurity capability enhancements for New Zealand, with a fixed-term contract through June 2028.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading and supporting large-scale, complex programmes.
• Proven ability to manage senior stakeholders across business units with competing priorities.
• Deep knowledge of programme and project management disciplines, tools, and techniques.
• Mentoring project managers and fostering capability within a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide robust programme and project management across all PHEC deliverables.
• Oversee risk, reporting, and scheduling systems; maintain core governance documents.
• Act as Contract Manager for MPI contracts under the PHEC Programme.
• Interface with Crown Infrastructure Delivery (CID) for scheduling, risk, reporting and finance tracking.
• Lead and develop the MPI PHEC Programme Office team and foster a high-performing culture.

Skills

Programme leadership

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional leadership

Risk management

Strategic thinking

Education

MSP & PRINCE2 qualifications

Tools

MSP

PRINCE2

PM Frameworks

Job description

Manager, Programme Management OfficePlant Health & Environment Capability ProgrammeRole type: Fixed Term (Until June 2028)Location: Wellington or Auckland, TamakiSalary Band & Range: General Salary Range B: $141,717 to $165,970 depending on skills and experienceAbout the Role - Korero mo te TurangaThe Plant Health and Environment Capability (PHEC) Programme is a cornerstone investment in New Zealand's biosecurity system. It will deliver a new, fit-for-purpose Plant Health Environment Laboratory facility and supporting capabilities to strengthen environmental protection and enable innovative growth and resilience in our food and fibre sectors.You will lead the MPI PHEC Programme Office and ensure best-practice programme management for the non-build components of this significant programme. This is a leadership role that requires strategic oversight, operational excellence, and the ability to foster collaboration across multiple work streams and agencies.You will:, Ensure there is robust programme and project management across all initiatives in the PHEC ProgrammeAlign delivery with Biosecurity New Zealand's Programme and Project Management FrameworksOversee risk, reporting, and scheduling systemsProvide programme support for Transformation and Business Change work streamsMaintain and update core programme control documents and approvalsAct as Contract Manager for MPI contracts under the PHEC ProgrammeManage the interface with Crown Infrastructure Delivery (CID) for scheduling, risk, reporting, and finance trackingLead and develop the MPI PHEC Programme Office team, ensuring effective communication, engagement, and performance managementSupport the Programme Director by providing visible leadership and fostering a collaborative, high-performing cultureThis is a unique opportunity to contribute to a programme that will have a lasting impact on New Zealand's biosecurity and environmental capability.About You - MouYou are an experienced programme leader who thrives in complex, dynamic environments and can bring clarity and confidence to large-scale transformation initiatives. You will have:Significant experience leading and supporting large-scale, complex programmesStrong leadership and matrix management skills, with the ability to build and lead cross-functional teamsIn-depth knowledge of programme and project management disciplines, tools, and techniquesProfessional Qualifications in Programme Management (such as MSP) and Project Management (such as PRINCE2)Proven ability to manage and engage with senior stakeholders across business units with competing prioritiesUnderstanding of strategy, governance frameworks, operating models, and change managementExperience mentoring and guiding project managers and fostering capabilityUp-to-date industry knowledge through engagement with professional bodies and networksA track record in managing project and programme costs, timelines, and risk mitigation, including health, safety and financial risk.About the Team - Mo to matou RopuBiosecurity New Zealand has a critical role in preventing harmful organisms crossing New Zealand's borders. We manage border and compliance activities as well as preparing for, and responding to, any biosecurity incursions that may occur. We support all New Zealanders and visitors to play their part in protecting our country - including our urban, rural and natural environments - to ensure that all things that make our country special and unique are maintained and protected.About MPI - Mo te Manatu Ahu MatuaThe Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.To find out more about the Ministry and what we do please click here.Benefits of working at MPI - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu Ahu MatuaAdditional MPI leave daysAnnual Wellness paymentBi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/framesAre you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi whaitake?We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapu, whanau and hapori.We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatu Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.To view the position description and/or apply online, please click \"Apply\" or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it - click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.Applications close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 7th October 2026.If you have any questions about the role, please email [e-mail] MPI here - Whaia nga tuhononga ki MPI i koneiLinks to Facebook, MPI Careers, LinkedIn, X