Programme Manager

New Zealand Government; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 148,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working culture

Extra leave between Christmas and New 

Home office setup stipend

EPA Environment Day

Māori capability programme

Learning opportunities

EPASymposium

Social club

EPA awards

Job summary

New Zealand Government in Wellington seeks an experienced Programme Manager to lead two critical pieces of work: the implementation of AI initiatives and the Hazardous Substances Improvement Programme. You will establish governance, development of plans, manage risks, and drive successful outcomes.

You will coach other project managers and work with senior leaders to deliver practical, sustainable change that aligns with organisational priorities.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading large-scale programmes in complex organisations.
• Design, build and delivery of technology solutions.
• Strong project and programme management including governance, risk, reporting and benefits realisation.
• Experience leading organisational change initiatives and stakeholder engagement.
• exceptional ability to influence senior leaders and subject matter experts.
• Proven ability to identify risks, solve complex problems, and maintain momentum across competing priorities.
• Experience across multiple workstreams with delivery focus and governance.
• Knowledge of programme management methodologies with PRINCE2/ PMI qualifications viewed favourably.

Responsibilities

• Establish and manage programme governance, develop delivery plans, manage risks/dependencies, and ensure successful programme outcomes.
• Provide project and change management leadership and coaching to other project managers.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and stakeholders to deliver practical, sustainable change aligned with priorities.
• Ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards with effective governance.

Skills

Programme management

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Governance

Risk management

Benefits realisation

Technology solution design

Large-scale programmes

Decision making

Job description

As New Zealand's environmental regulator, the work we do today helps shape the future of our tomorrow. Our purpose | To tatoukaupapa We are the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA),AotearoaNewZealand's independent environmental regulator. Our role is important:to help protect our country's unique way of life by looking out for the health of its environment, itseconomy,and its people.Ourkaupapais about making the right decisions based on evidence,mātauranga,and science.At the EPA, we encouragebig ideasandbold goals.What we achieve today helps shape the future of NewZealand for generations to come.Jump in the waka - make history with us.

About our group |Mōteroopu

The Corporate Services Group works in close partnership with the wider business to lead, support, and enable the EPA to achieve its strategic intentions and effectively and efficiently deliver its core functions. There are five key functions within the Corporate Services Group. These are:

• Information Management and Technology
• People and Capability
• Communications and Customer
• Finance and Business Services
• Enterprise Projects

Enterprise Projects provides programme and project leadership governance and assurance, ensuring investment and resources are focused on the initiatives that will have the greatest impact.

By partnering with business groups across the EPA, Enterprise Projects helps turn strategic goals into successful outcomes that strengthen the organisation's ability to deliver its core functions.

About the role |Mōtetūnga

This is a fixed term role for12 months

This role is based in our Wellington office. Whilewe'rehappy to consider work‑from‑home arrangements, full‑time remote workingwould only be considered for the right candidate.

We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead two critical pieces of work for the EPA: the implementation of our AIinitiativesand delivery of the Hazardous Substances Improvement Programme.

You willbe responsible forestablishingand managing programme governance, developing delivery plans, managing risks and dependencies, and ensuring successful implementation of programme outcomes.

You will also be providing project and change management leadership and coaching to other project managers.

You will work closely with senior leaders, subject matter experts, and key stakeholders across the organisation to deliver change that is practical, sustainable, and aligned with organisational priorities.

Success in this role will require a strong focus on programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, organisational change, and embedding new ways of working.Youwill ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards while supporting effective decision‑making and governance throughout the programme lifecycle.

About you |Mōhouake

• Extensive experience leading large-scale programmes and delivering outcomes in complex organisational settings.
• Demonstrated experience in design, build,and delivery of technology solutions.
• Strong project and programme management capability, including planning, governance, risk management, reporting, and benefits realisation.
• Demonstrated experience leading organisational change initiatives and supporting successful transition and adoption of new processes, systems, or ways of working.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility with senior leaders and subject matter experts.
• Proven ability toidentifyrisks, solve complex problems, and make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Experience working across multiple workstreams and managing competing priorities whilemaintaining delivery momentum.
• Knowledge of programme management methodologies and frameworks, with relevant certifications such as PRINCE2, PMI, or change management qualifications viewed favourably.

What'sin it for you |Ngāāhuatangakeiamātou

• flexible working culture
• threeadditional paid leave days between Christmas and New Yearin addition to four weeks'annual leave
• $200non-taxablepayment to help you set up working at home
• anannualpaidEPA Environment Dayto supportthe communitywithenvironmental initiatives
• in‑house Māoricultural capability building programme
• learning opportunities,including the annualEPASymposium
• activeand livelysocial club,and diverse groups and support networks
• EPAawards recognising individualand team effort.

Salaryrange

Salary range$147,688-$221,532 per annum (midpoint$184,610).

This is the full salary range of the band, from 80% - 120%. Appointments will generally bemade at or below the midpoint of this range, depending on skills and experience.

Applications close |RāKatinga

Friday 5pm, 18 September 2026

We will review applications as they are submitted and may begin our selection process prior to the end of the application stage