Senior Project Manager / Project Director

Milne Project Management; Devonport-Takapuna; On-site; NZD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Milne Project Management in Auckland seeks a Senior Project Manager or Project Director to lead construction projects from initiation to completion. You will manage client relationships, assist with proposals, and mentor junior staff, while ensuring delivery on time, budget and quality.

Ideal candidates will have 10+ years in project management, a tertiary qualification in Property/Construction/Engineering, strong leadership, and experience as Engineer to Contract.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in project management.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Property, Construction Management, Engineering, or similar.
• Strong leadership and client relationship skills.
• Commercial acumen and a strategic mindset.
• Collaborative, solutions-focused approach.
• Experience in the education sector (preferred).
• Experience as Engineer to the Contract, or the capability to undertake this role.

Responsibilities

• Leading the successful delivery of construction projects from initiation through to completion.
• Managing client relationships and providing strategic project advice.
• Overseeing project planning, procurement, programme management and delivery.
• Managing project risks, budgets and reporting requirements.
• Leading, mentoring and supporting project teams.
• Contributing to business development, proposals and tender preparation.
• Acting as Engineer to Contract, where appropriate to the level and technical capability of the successful candidate.
• Contributing to the continued growth and success of the business.

Skills

Project leadership

Client relationship mgmt

Commercial acumen

Mentoring

Education sector experience

Engineer to Contract capability

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

As a senior member of the team, you will lead the successful delivery of construction projects from initiation through to completion, working closely with clients, consultants and contractors to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard.

You will be a senior point of contact for clients, providing trusted advice and developing strong, enduring relationships. You will also contribute to business development, identifying opportunities for future work and supporting proposals and tenders.

An important part of the role will be mentoring and supporting Project Managers and junior team members, sharing your knowledge and helping to build capability across the team.

We’re looking for someone who brings strong project delivery, client leadership and commercial management capability. For candidates at Project Director level, we would also expect a high level of technical expertise and the capability to act as Engineer to Contract. While this technical expertise is not essential for a Senior Project Manager, it would be an advantage.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading the successful delivery of construction projects from initiation through to completion

Managing client relationships and providing strategic project advice

Overseeing project planning, procurement, programme management and delivery

Managing project risks, budgets and reporting requirements

Leading, mentoring and supporting project teams

Contributing to business development, proposals and tender preparation

Acting as Engineer to Contract, where appropriate to the level and technical capability of the successful candidate

Contributing to the continued growth and success of the business

About You

We’re looking for an experienced project management professional who is confident leading projects and working directly with clients.

You will bring:

A relevant tertiary qualification in Property, Construction Management, Engineering, or similar

10+ years’ experience in project management

Strong leadership and client relationship skills

Commercial acumen and a strategic mindset

A collaborative, solutions-focused approach

Experience in the education sector (preferred)

Experience as Engineer to the Contract, or the capability to undertake this role

About us

Milne Project Management is an established project management consultancy delivering construction projects across the Auckland region. Around 80% of our work is within the education sector, with the balance across social housing and other sectors.

With a strong reputation for professionalism, client service and successful project outcomes, we are continuing to grow and are looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager or Project Director to join our team.

We’re looking for someone already operating at a senior level in project management who can take the lead on complex projects, build trusted client relationships and contribute to the continued growth and success of the business. Depending on your experience and technical background, the role could be appointed at either Senior Project Manager or Project Director level.