Programme Manager

Department of Corrections NZ; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 146,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Corrections NZ is recruiting a Programme Manager to lead a major transformational programme across a large and diverse workforce of about 11,000 people. You will shape delivery, governance and cross‑project alignment to realise meaningful outcomes for our people and those under our care.

Joining a small, high‑performing team, you will work with senior stakeholders to turn strategy into action, placing people at the centre of what we do.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading large-scale transformation programmes.
• Expertise in programme and portfolio management overseeing interconnected projects.
• Exceptional relationship-building and influencing with senior stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem solving, and navigating ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Lead a significant transformational programme across 11,000+ workforce.
• Provide governance and oversight of interconnected projects across the programme.
• Align priorities and resources with organisational commitments and outcomes.
• Engage senior stakeholders and build effective relationships across the organisation.
• Drive progress in a complex, fast-paced and evolving environment.

Skills

Transformation programmes

Programme & portfolio mgmt

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Change leadership

Job description

Lead a transformational programme across a workforce of 11,000+ people.Oversee strategic projects that deliver meaningful organisational change.Join a small, influential team shaping the future of our workforce.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As the Programme Manager within the People Programmes and Projects team you will lead a significant transformational programme across a large and diverse workforce of approximately 11,000 people. This is a unique opportunity to drive meaningful organisational change, providing oversight of a programme of interconnected projects that collectively support better outcomes for our people and those under our care. This role requires someone who can bring together people, priorities, and projects in a way that reflects our value of wairua, creating alignment and focus across a broad range of initiatives. Equally important is demonstrating rangatira through strong programme governance, stewardship, and helping the organisation remain accountable for delivering on its commitments. Joining a small, high-performing team of specialists from a range of disciplines, you will play a key role in shaping and enabling positive change across the organisation. You will thrive in a complex environment, be comfortable working with senior stakeholders, and be passionate about delivering programmes that place people at the centre of what we do.

Mōu | About you

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, collaborative and influential programme manager who is motivated by purpose, committed to continuous improvement, and eager to make a meaningful difference at scale.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Proven experience leading large-scale transformation programmes, delivering complex initiatives that create meaningful organisational impact.
• Expertise in programme and portfolio management, with a track record of successfully overseeing multiple interconnected projects and priorities.
• Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and align a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leaders.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capability, able to navigate complexity, make sense of ambiguity, and turn ideas into action.
• Confidence leading through change, bringing clarity, direction, and momentum in fast-paced and evolving environments.

Ngā painga | The benefits

The midpoint of the salary range is $171,226 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $145,543 - $205,472 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.