Programme Manager Complex Sites

Auckland Council; Waiheke; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Auckland Council seeks an experienced Programme Manager to lead the Storm-Affected Land programme, overseeing ~300 properties and shaping future land-use decisions for a safer, more resilient Tāmaki Makaurau.

You will establish a clear programme approach, balance environmental, social, cultural, financial and political factors, and work with senior leaders to deliver governance, risk management and delivery across a diverse portfolio.

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering complex property, infrastructure, recovery or land development programmes.
• Experience navigating complex governance, regulatory and stakeholder environments.
• Strong commercial acumen and sound strategic judgement.
• Exceptional communication and relationship management skills.
• Expertise in programme governance, financial management and risk oversight.
• A tertiary degree in a relevant field.
• 12+ years’ experience working in project management or local government.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver the strategic approach for Auckland Council's Storm-Affected Land programme.
• Develop robust land-use recommendations for a portfolio of storm-affected properties.
• Partner with senior leaders and stakeholders to achieve aligned programme outcomes.
• Ensure effective governance, financial management and risk oversight across the programme.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver resilient, sustainable outcomes for Auckland communities.

Skills

Property/infrastructure programmes

Governance & stakeholder management

Commercial acumen & strategic judgment

Communication & relationship mgmt

Programme governance & financial mgmt

Leadership in local government

Education

Tertiary degree in a relevant field

Job description

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• Shape the future use of 300+ storm-affected properties across Auckland
• Influence land-use decisions with lasting community impact, helping to build a safer and more resilient Tāmaki Makaurau
• Fixed term full time contract through until December 2027

The Storm-Affected Land team is seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead one of Auckland Council's most significant and complex recovery initiatives.

This high-profile role will oversee the strategic management of approximately 300 storm-affected properties acquired through the Recovery Programme, helping shape long-term land use decisions that support a safer, more resilient Tāmaki Makaurau.

Working closely with the Head of Storm-Affected Land, you will establish and drive a clear programme approach, balancing technical, environmental, social, cultural, financial and political considerations to achieve sustainable outcomes for communities. You will lead the planning, prioritisation and delivery of a diverse portfolio of sites, ensuring decisions are evidence-based, risk-informed and aligned with Auckland Council's wider recovery objectives.

A key focus of the role will be developing recommendations for the future use of storm-affected land. Each decision will require careful assessment of factors including natural hazard risks, community and mana whenua aspirations, heritage considerations, infrastructure requirements, financial impacts and redevelopment opportunities.

This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of land affected by the Auckland storms and contribute to outcomes that will benefit communities for generations to come.

Day-to-day you could expect to:

• Shape and deliver the strategic approach for Auckland Council's Storm-Affected Land programme.
• Develop robust land-use recommendations for a portfolio of storm-affected properties.
• Partner with senior leaders and stakeholders to achieve aligned programme outcomes.
• Ensure effective governance, financial management and risk oversight across the programme.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver resilient, sustainable outcomes for Auckland communities.

You are a strategic and commercially astute programme leader with experience delivering complex, high-value programmes involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities and significant public interest.

You bring the ability to navigate ambiguity, influence at senior levels and make sound decisions in environments where social, environmental, political and commercial considerations intersect. Equally comfortable operating strategically and driving delivery, you excel at bringing people together around a shared vision and achieving outcomes through collaboration.

A strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with land, infrastructure, property, housing, planning or recovery programmes will enable you to quickly add value in this unique and rewarding role.

What you’ll bring:

• Significant experience delivering complex property, infrastructure, recovery or land development programmes.
• Experience navigating complex governance, regulatory and stakeholder environments.
• Strong commercial acumen and sound strategic judgement.
• Exceptional communication and relationship management skills.
• Expertise in programme governance, financial management and risk oversight.
• A tertiary degree in a relevant field
• 12+ years’ experience working in project management or local government

Why you’ll thrive in this role

You’ll bring the credibility, judgement and strategic mindset to lead one of Auckland Council's most complex recovery programmes. Comfortable navigating ambiguity and competing interests, you'll be able to balance community, environmental, cultural and commercial considerations while maintaining momentum towards long-term outcomes.

Your ability to build trusted relationships across stakeholders, influence decision-makers and lead through complexity will be critical, as will your commitment to creating safer, more resilient communities across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Auckland Council is the largest local government council across Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people and contributing towards making Tāmaki Makaurau a world-class city.

We offer a range of employee benefits and proudly support flexible working options where possible.

You’ll have access to a range of fantastic Auckland Council benefits, EAP services, an Oranga Day and discounted Leisure Centre membership and a range of other partnership discounts! View a snapshot of some of our employee benefits here.

We are a diverse organisation – we value diversity in our thinking, and we can only achieve that with a diverse team!

You can find the position description here

Applications close: Sunday 20th September

Qualification Checks will be conducted along with other relevant pre-employment checks required for employment with Auckland Council.

Our employer KiwiSaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

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By applying for this role, you consent to Council obtaining a reference from your current employer, including information about any active conduct investigations and current performance management processes, if you are the preferred candidate. Reference checks will only be undertaken at the preferred candidate stage. Any non-active performance or conduct matters may also be discussed with referees as part of the reference checking process.

If you do not consent to this information being provided, Council may be unable to properly assess your application and your application will not progress further. If you wish to withhold your consent, or to access or correct your personal information, please contact the Privacy Officer at*******@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.