Project Manager

Environment Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Canterbury is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead a diverse portfolio of strategic and operational projects. You will work with leaders, subject matter experts, stakeholders, and project teams to deliver projects on time, within budget, and aligned with organisational priorities.

You’ll manage complex initiatives, ensure governance, and foster continuous improvement to support better environmental outcomes for Canterbury.

Qualifications

• A relevant project management qualification (PRINCE2, PMI) or equivalent.
• Five years' project management experience delivering complex projects.
• Experience with stakeholder management and competing priorities.
• Experience with Agile and/or Waterfall delivery.
• Experience in local government or public sector is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects through full lifecycle from initiation to closure and handover.
• Manage scope, risks, budgets, resources, and delivery plans.
• Build relationships with internal business analysts, PMO staff, Finance, Digital and Communications partners.
• Facilitate workshops, requirements gathering, and planning with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare governance reports and recommendations for leadership groups.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Agile/Waterfall

Business transformation

Information systems

Coaching

Public sector experience

Change management

Risk management

Education

PRINCE2/ PMI qualification or equivalent

Job description

Job Type: Fixed Term | Full Time

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Job Category: Government, Defence & Emergency

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha

About Environment Canterbury

At Environment Canterbury, we’re working together to shape a thriving and resilient Canterbury for current and future generations.

As The Regional Council For Waitaha Canterbury, We Care For The Region's Air, Land, Water, And Communities. Working Alongside Mana Whenua Ngāi Tahu, Stakeholders, And Communities, We Deliver Three Essential Services

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

As Canterbury continues to grow and change, so do we. We operate in a dynamic environment, responding to evolving legislation, policy, and community needs while continuing to deliver for our communities, partners, and te taiao (the environment). Adapting to change, embracing new opportunities, and finding better ways of working are all part of creating great outcomes for Canterbury.

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

You’ll be an experienced Project Manager who will lead the successful delivery of strategic and operational projects across Environment Canterbury. This role offers the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of initiatives that improve how we serve our communities, strengthen organisational capability, and support better environmental outcomes for Canterbury. You’ll work closely with leaders, subject matter experts, stakeholders, and project teams to deliver projects on time, within budget, and aligned with organisational priorities.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Leading technical projects through the full lifecycle from project initiation to closure and handing over to Business as Usual as part of the change journey
• Managing project scope, risks, budgets, resources, and delivery plans
• Building strong relationships with internal business analysts, other PMO staff, Finance, Digital and Communications Business Partners
• Facilitating challenging workshops, requirements gathering, and project planning sessions including with external stakeholders
• Preparing high-quality reporting and recommendations for governance and leadership groups in line with best practice

This role is fixed-term until 30 June 2028.

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Mōu

About You

You’ll be a confident and adaptable project professional who enjoys bringing people together to achieve shared goals. Skilled at navigating complex environments, you’ll combine strong planning and delivery expertise with excellent communication and relationship-building skills. You’ll be comfortable influencing stakeholders at all levels and passionate about driving continuous improvement and successful project outcomes.

Mātau ā-Wheako Experience

Ideally, You’ll Have a Relevant Project Management Qualification (PRINCE2, PMI, Or Equivalent) Or Significant Demonstrated Experience With At Least Five Years' Project Management Experience Delivering Complex Projects Along With

• Demonstrated success managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
• Experience working with Agile and/or Waterfall delivery methodologies
• Business transformation or process improvement projects
• Information systems or technology-enabled projects
• Coaching or mentoring project team members
• Working within local government, public sector, or politically aware environments
• Business analysis, change management, or risk management experience

You’ll enjoy working with others, building trusted relationships, and contributing to positive outcomes for Canterbury. Your approach will reflect our values and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha

Working at Environment Canterbury

We’re a values-led organisation, and our values shape how we work, make decisions, and support each other every day.

• Kaitiakitanga (Stewardship) We make good decisions today for a better tomorrow.
• Pononga (Integrity) - we act honestly, take responsibility and o what we say.
• Manaakitanga (People First) - we put people first and treat everyone with care and respect.
• Whanaungatanga (Collaboration) - We build strong relationships and achieve more together.
• Māiatanga (Can Do)- We are brave solution focussed and make things happen.

Our values guide the way we work and shape our workplace culture. Throughout the recruitment process, you’ll have the opportunity to share examples of how your experiences and approach align with these values.

We know that diverse perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking help us make better decisions and achieve better outcomes for our communities and environment. That’s why we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to contribute.

We’re also on a journey to become a Treaty partner of excellence. We support our people to grow their confidence and capability in te ao Māori and encourage the use of kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our everyday mahi. Wherever you are on your journey, you’ll be welcomed and supported.

Ko ētahi atu kōrero Additional Information

Applications close Sunday 15 November.

We welcome your application and encourage you to apply early. To keep recruitment moving, we review applications as we receive them and may begin interviews before the closing date. The advertising period may be shortened as the process progresses.

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of application and hold work rights that will enable them to fulfil the full term of employment.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal history check. Additional background checks may be required depending on the nature of the role.

If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement in the position description, we still encourage you to apply.

Me mahi tahi tātou Together we can

Job Description

Job Description