Senior Project Manager

Unitec; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Unitec in New Zealand seeks an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead the delivery of complex technology and business transformation initiatives across MIT and Unitec.

You will be responsible for the successful planning, governance, delivery, and implementation of multiple strategic projects and programmes, working with senior leaders, vendors, and project teams to deliver on time, within budget, and achieve outcomes.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading large-scale digital transformation and business change programmes.
• 7+ years delivering strategic technology projects and initiatives.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience preparing executive-level reporting and governance documentation.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and culturally responsive practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of multiple complex technology and business transformation projects.
• Develop and manage project plans, business cases, implementation plans, and governance reporting.
• Ensure projects are delivered within agreed timelines, budgets, scope, and quality standards.
• Manage project resources and coordinate multidisciplinary teams in a matrix environment.
• Drive change management activities and ensure successful adoption of new processes and technologies.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage project risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation strategies.
• Prepare governance reports, status updates, presentations, and executive briefings.
• Monitor project performance and ensure benefits realisation.
• Champion project management best practice and contribute to organisational capability uplift.

Skills

Large-scale transformation

Programme delivery

Stakeholder management

Executive reporting

Change management

Communication

Negotiation

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Education

Postgraduate or relevant qualification in IT/Business/Management

PM certifications (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, Scrum)

Tools

Job description

• Drive large-scale digital and business transformation initiatives


• Partner with senior leaders to deliver strategic organisational outcomes


• Lead complex programmes that shape the future of vocational education

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead the delivery of complex technology and business transformation initiatives across MIT and Unitec.

Reporting to the Head of Digital Architecture, you will be responsible for the successful planning, governance, delivery, and implementation of multiple strategic projects and programmes. You will work closely with senior leaders, stakeholders, vendors, and project teams to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and achieve their intended business outcomes.

This role is ideal for a seasoned project professional who thrives in complex environments, enjoys leading organisational change, and has a proven track record delivering large-scale digital transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of multiple complex technology and business transformation projects


• Develop and manage project plans, business cases, implementation plans, and governance reporting


• Ensure projects are delivered within agreed timelines, budgets, scope, and quality standards


• Manage project resources and coordinate multidisciplinary teams in a matrix environment


• Drive change management activities and ensure successful adoption of new processes and technologies


• Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders


• Manage project risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation strategies


• Prepare governance reports, status updates, presentations, and executive briefings


• Monitor project performance and ensure benefits realisation


• Champion project management best practice and contribute to organisational capability uplift

What You'll Bring

• Significant experience leading large-scale digital transformation and business change programmes


• 7+ years' experience delivering strategic technology projects and initiatives


• Extensive knowledge of portfolio, programme, and project management methodologies


• Strong experience leading Agile delivery across large, complex enterprise environments


• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders simultaneously


• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills


• Experience preparing executive-level reporting and governance documentation


• Strong commercial, financial, and risk management capability


• Ability to influence senior leaders and navigate complex organisational environments


• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and culturally responsive practice

Preferred Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Information Technology, Science, Business, Management, or a related discipline


• PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, Scrum, or equivalent project management certifications highly regarded

Why Join Us

• Lead high-profile strategic projects with organisation-wide impact


• Work alongside experienced leaders driving transformational change


• Flexible and supportive working environment


• Professional development and learning opportunities


• Be part of an organisation committed to innovation, learner success, and continuous improvement

About Us

MIT and Unitec are creating a new future for vocational education in Aotearoa.

Guided by our vision, “Learning with purpose, creating our futures," we work alongside learners, employers, and communities to deliver quality education that meets the needs of New Zealand today and into the future. Learners and their whānau are at the centre of everything we do.

Applications closing date:

Sunday 11 October 2026 at 5.00PM.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and suitable candidates may be progressed before the closing date.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Emma Derbyshire, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, at [e-mail] . Please note this email address is not to be used for direct application.

Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to building a supportive and inclusive environment for all.