Programme Manager Natural Environment

Auckland Council; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 111,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working conditions

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Job summary

Auckland Council is seeking a Programme Manager for the Natural Environment, on a fixed-term basis until July 2027 to cover parental leave. The role focuses on delivering a comprehensive environmental programme, linking strategy to practical delivery and reporting.

You will drive the Auckland Water Strategy implementation and contribute to biodiversity and harbour revitalisation efforts, working in a politically complex environment with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience in programme management within complex organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of the Natural Environment work programme.
• Coordinate across council groups and departments.
• Translate strategy into delivery milestones and reporting.

Job description

Programme Manager Natural Environment

Salary :$111,000 - 124,000 yearly

Company : Auckland Council

Job Type : Full Time New Zealand

Job Description - Programme Manager Natural Environment

• Drive Auckland’s environmental future


• Influence across the Council group


• Combine strategy, influence and real-world delivery

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Council’s Policy department has an opportunity for a Programme Manager Natural Environment to join the Natural Environment Strategy team on a fixed-term until July 2027 to cover parental leave.

This is a critical role for the Council and will focus on ensuring the team’s natural environment work programme achieves milestones and programme delivery, including linkages to other department input, delivery and organisational requirements for reporting. However, this is not a traditional programme management role - it's hands-on and helping to create direction and traction.

You could expect to work on:

• tracking and facilitating the organisational implementation and refresh of the Auckland Water Strategy, with subject matter experience on how various parts of the council group contribute to this broad strategy.


• programme support for the Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy’s development and adoption following public engagement in early 2027.


• implementation planning for the recently adopted Revitalise Manukau Harbour strategy including liaison with multiple council departments to consider how they deliver activities to achieve the adopted outcomes.


• resource management reforms, including the team’s input into central government’s National Policy Direction, the council’s response to national standards, and facilitating the council’s development of a regional spatial plan.

He kōrero mōu: About you

This role requires experience in the programme management space, while also being familiar with local government’s implementation of central government direction, and council-adopted policy and strategy programmes. You have experience in similar roles within large, complex, or political organisations.

We will be looking for specific experience with the key role requirements:

• programme management skills in the development, tracking and adoption of strategies and policies and associated updates.


• able to effectively translate adopted strategy and policy into council-wide delivery programmes and the fostering of reporting on milestones through various avenues.


• strong interpersonal and presentation skills including the use of Microsoft Office software, while working in a politically demanding environment with a range of interests and audiences.


• understand Auckland’s natural environment and the pressures on it, and how council and other interests can influence achievement of positive environmental outcomes through the various regulatory and non-regulatory tools at its disposal.

We still encourage you to apply if you have some but not all these requirements.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.8 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

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.

Applications close: 7th October 2026

This role's ideal start date: 7th December 2026

Salary Range: 111k-124k