Senior Project Manager

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force is seeking a capable project leader to steer Army initiatives focused on delivering and enhancing operational equipment capabilities. You will develop and maintain artefacts, manage scope, cost, and risk, and engage stakeholders to realise business benefits across multiple project stages.

The role requires strong project management discipline, experience with PRINCE2, and the ability to guide cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Considerable relationship building and stakeholder management experience will be key to success in this role, enabling you to collaborate across the organisation and influence positive outcomes.
• Skills and experience required for this position include: Considerable experience delivering small to medium-sized projects with a track record of turning ideas into practical outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and frameworks, ideally PRINCE2.
• Proven ability to analyse complex issues, identify solutions and make sound recommendations.
• Highly developed analytical and critical thinking skills, with experience preparing business cases, requirements documentation and training materials.
• A flexible, agile, and pragmatic approach, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and business needs.
• Proven success in leading, motivating empowering project teams to deliver positive outcomes

Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining project artefacts and documentation in accordance with Capability Management Framework processes and the PRINCE2 best practice.
• Ensuring projects produce the required capabilities within the specified time, cost, quality, scope and risk.
• Achieving the benefits defined in the relevant business cases for each stage.
• Regular engagement with key stakeholders internally and externally.
• Managing the acquisition of the required project products and deliverables in line with NZDF policies.
• Lead project team members to ensure they are engaged and productive.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

PRINCE2

Business case development

Analytical thinking

Job description

## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role**Mō te tūnga | About the role**Join the Capability Branch and lead a diverse range of Army projects focused on delivering and enhancing operational equipment capabilities.The main responsibilities of this role include:* Developing and maintaining project artefacts and documentation in accordance with Capability Management Framework processes and the PRINCE2 best practice;* Ensuring projects produce the required capabilities within the specified time, cost, quality, scope and risk;* Achieving the benefits defined in the relevant business cases for each stage;* Regular engagement with key stakeholders internally and externally;* Managing the acquisition of the required project products and deliverables in line with NZDF policies; and* Lead project team members to ensure they are engaged and productive.This position is fixed term for 2 years. Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, then flexible working arrangements can be discussed.**Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience**Considerable relationship building and stakeholder management experience will be key to success in this role, enabling you to collaborate across the organisation and influence positive outcomes.Skills and experience required for this position include:* Considerable experience delivering small to medium-sized projects, with a track record of turning ideas into practical outcomes.* Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and frameworks, ideally PRINCE2.* Proven ability to analyse complex issues, identify solutions and make sound recommendations.* Highly developed analytical and critical thinking skills, with experience preparing business cases, requirements documentation and training materials.* A flexible, agile, and pragmatic approach, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and business needs.* Proven success in leading, motivating empowering project teams to deliver positive outcomesThis role provides opportunities for travel within New Zealand and internationally to support a diverse portfolio of project work.No candidate is expected to meet every desired skill / experience listed. If your background differs from what we've outlined but you believe you can contribute to the role, we encourage you to apply.**Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you**Safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.**Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply**Applications close on **Monday 12 October 2026**.Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.**Please Note:*** All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description.* Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.* Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.**Please Note:**To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:Higher Level Security Clearance* You **must** be a New Zealand citizen **or** you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence **or** have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.* At minimum, you **must** hold New Zealand Permanent Residence **or** have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, **and** you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.* You **must** have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | NZ Defence Force || Location: | Wellington - Wairarapa || Position type: | Fixed Term Contract || Category: | Project managers || Date listed: | 24-Sep-2026 || Salary range: | N/A || Closing date: | 12-Oct-2026 || Reference: | NZ/DF-2609050 || Attachment: | No File Attached || File links: | || Website: | www.nzdf.mil.nz/ |