Project Manager Water Security (Fixed Term)

Taituarā; Napier; On-site; NZD 89,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hawke's Bay Regional Council is seeking a dynamic Project Manager to lead the delivery of the Hawke’s Bay Water Security Action Plan. This full-time fixed-term role is based in Napier and is funded to June 2028.

You will manage milestones, budgets, risks and stakeholder engagement, working with cross-team groups to ensure delivery within scope and quality standards, while contributing to continuous improvement and regional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Proven project management experience in the environmental sector preferred.
• Strong financial acumen, planning, budgeting and risk management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement across councils and partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of projects to scope, schedule, budget and quality standards.
• Develop annual plans, manage budgets and monitor risks.
• Report progress and engage key stakeholders across groups and networks.
• Support continuous improvement and alignment with HBRC strategic initiatives.

Skills

Project management experience

Financial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Multi-priority management

Education

Tertiary diploma in a relevant field

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Project management software

Job description

Project Manager Water Security (Fixed Term)

Our vision is a healthy environment and a resilient and prosperous community.

About The opportunity | Ko te āheinga:

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Project Manager to lead the delivery of the Hawke’s Bay Water Security Action Plan and support key projects within the Integrated Catchment Management Group. This team looks after the integration, coordination and delivery of environmental advice supporting the various activities to achieve the Council’s Long Term and Strategic Plans. This is a full time, fixed term position up to June 2028 based in Napier.

The Project Manager Water Security will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council 2025 Water Security Action Plan. This involves the successful planning, development of milestones, monitoring, and integration with other groups and sections across HBRC who have an interest in Water Security.

This role involves leading the delivery of projects to scope, schedule, budget and quality standards by developing annual plans, managing budgets and risks, reporting progress, supporting collaborative teams, and engaging key stakeholders. You will work closely with Council teams, contribute to continuous improvement through HBRC’s Quality Management System, attend committee meetings, and participate in internal working groups as required. The role will also contribute to strategic initiatives that strengthen organisational performance, enhance reporting and decision-making frameworks, and support effective engagement and collaboration across regional and sector networks.

About you | E pā ana ki a koe:

You will bring proven project management experience—preferably within the environmental sector. You’ll bring strong financial acumen, excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, a strategic and proactive mindset, and a solid understanding of local government operations.

We're looking for someone who can anticipate change, remain flexible, and bring innovative solutions to the table. Your sound judgment, initiative, and ability to manage multiple priorities will be key to success in this role

Ideally you will also have:

• At minimum, a tertiary diploma in a relevant field.
• 2 years’ experience in Project or Programme Management or a similar role.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Project Management Software.
• A valid driver licence is required.

The salary range for this role is between $88,995 to $104,700 and will depend on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We recognise that collaborative and innovative organisations depend on having a workforce made from a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. We're all about excellence, and we encourage open communication – if you need any specific support, just let us know! Our main goal is to empower each person to share their unique talents to contribute to the outcomes for our community. This commitment ensures that our workplace is a dynamic and progressive space where everyone can flourish.

HBRC is responsible for Civil Defence emergencies and as such, all staff may be called upon to support the response.

Applicants must have existing rights to work in New Zealand.

At Hawke’s Bay Regional Council our purpose is to work with our community to protect and manage the region’s precious taonga of rivers, lakes, soils, air, coast and biodiversity for health, wellbeing and connectivity. Our organisation is diverse and our work is varied. Our structure comprises of six key business units; Corporate Services, Integrated Catchment Management, Asset Management, Māori Partnerships, Policy & Regulation, and the Executive Advisory Group which also consists of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

We focus on prioritising:

Kia koi, kia toitū hoki te whakamahinga o te whenua | Climate-smart and sustainable land use.