Programme Manager - Growth

Hamilton City Council; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 129,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Wellbeing days

Health insurance

Annual health checks

Job summary

Hamilton City Council is seeking a senior leader to plan and deliver major infrastructure programmes within the growth portfolio. You will coordinate a significant capital investment programme across multiple projects, stakeholders, and agencies to achieve outcomes for Hamilton.

You will provide leadership from establishment through benefits realisation, ensuring safety, effectiveness, and alignment with strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ experience on financial, construction programmes or project management.
• Curious mind with a continuous improvement drive and comfort with ambiguity.
• Proven leadership skills with demonstrated ability to business partner and take people on a change journey.
• Self‑awareness and the belief that mindset is the foundation of performance, and an ability to develop self and others.
• Demonstrated success in leading significant projects and programmes of work.
• Ability to innovate and maintain a big picture focus within an operational context.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Political acumen – the ability to engage with and influence Elected Members.
• Advanced written communication and presentations.
• Skilled in consulting with other cultural and community groups that have vested interests.
• Ability to operate independently, anticipate requirements and monitor workload.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Financial analysis skills.
• Tertiary qualification in Project Management, Civil Engineering fields and / or consultant background.
• Understanding of obligations of local and central government under the Treaty of Waitangi.
• Knowledge of the end-to‑end Property development process and coordinating relevant professional stakeholders
• Experience working in local government (preferred, but not essential).

Responsibilities

• Lead complex infrastructure programmes from planning to delivery and benefits realisation.
• Build and lead collaborative programme teams across internal and external partners.
• Develop relationships with senior leaders, elected members, iwi, government agencies, developers, and community stakeholders.
• Manage programme risks, issues, dependencies, and opportunities.
• Monitor programme budgets, performance, and delivery outcomes.
• Support and mentoring project managers and delivery teams.
• Provide clear programme reporting and insights to support decision making.
• Championing community outcomes and long‑term value for Hamilton.

Skills

Programme management

Leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

Communication

Financial analysis

PM/Engineering degree

Waitangi knowledge

Education

PM/Civil Eng degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

At Hamilton City Council, our people are united by a shared purpose: to improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians. As one of New Zealand's largest city councils, we're proud to serve a growing and vibrant community while delivering services and projects that improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians every day.

You’ll join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and community impact. Together, we’re on track to being one of New Zealand’s leading community‑focused councils, where everyone matters and every contribution helps shape the future of our city.

If you’re looking for meaningful work, a supportive team, and the opportunity to make a real difference in your community, you’ll find it here.

Job Description

Reporting to the Head of Portfolio Delivery, you’ll lead the planning and delivery of major infrastructure programmes within our growth portfolio. You’ll help coordinate a significant capital investment programme, working across multiple projects, stakeholders, partners, and agencies to achieve successful outcomes for Hamilton.

You’ll provide programme leadership from establishment through to benefits realisation, ensuring programmes are delivered safely, effectively, and in line with strategic priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading complex infrastructure programmes from planning through to delivery and benefits realisation.
• Building and leading collaborative programme teams across internal and external partners.
• Developing strong relationships with senior leaders, elected members, iwi, government agencies, developers, and community stakeholders.
• Managing programme risks, issues, dependencies, and opportunities.
• Monitoring programme budgets, performance, and delivery outcomes.
• Supporting and mentoring project managers and delivery teams.
• Providing clear programme reporting and insights to support decision making.
• Championing community outcomes and long‑term value for Hamilton.

Qualifications

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• At least 5 years’ experience on financial, construction programmes or project management.
• A curious mind with a continuous improvement drive and comfort with ambiguity.
• Proven leadership skills with demonstrated ability to business partner and take people on a change journey.
• Self‑awareness and the belief that mindset is the foundation of performance, and an ability to develop self and others in this regard.
• Demonstrated success in leading significant projects and programmes of work.
• Ability to innovate and maintain a big picture focus within an operational context.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders (internal and external).
• Political acumen – the ability to engage with and influence Elected Members.
• Advanced written communication and presentations.
• Skilled in consulting with other cultural and community groups that have vested interests.
• Ability to operate independently, anticipate requirements and monitor workload.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Financial analysis skills.
• Tertiary qualification in Project Management, Civil Engineering fields and / or consultant background.
• Understanding of obligations of local and central government under the Treaty of Waitangi.
• Knowledge of the end-to‑end Property development process and coordinating relevant professional stakeholders
• Experience working in local government (preferred, but not essential).

Additional Information

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary?

Circa$143K dependent on skills and experience.

We invest in our people, their wellbeing, and their future. That’s why we offer a range of benefits designed to support you both inside and outside of work, including:

• We support flexible ways of working that balance individual wellbeing, team and business needs. And great outcomes for our community.
• We support professional development and opportunities to grow your career.
• Two wellbeing days each year to focus on what matters most to you (after one year of service).
• Fully funded Unimed health insurance, including hospital and surgical cover, with discounted rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccinations.
• The option to purchase additional annual leave for greater flexibility.
• Eye care support, including reimbursement towards eye testing and prescription glasses.
• Access to a wide range of local discounts, including gyms, healthcare providers, retail stores, and more.

Applications close on the:20/11/2026

Note: We will be shortlistingas we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.