Project Manager

Buller District Council; Town of Westport (WI); On-site; USD 56,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

EAP services

West Coast lifestyle

Career development

Job summary

Buller District Council in Westport, New Zealand, seeks an experienced Project Manager to lead capital works and infrastructure programs. You will drive projects from concept to handover, engage a broad range of stakeholders, and ensure delivery on time and budget.

We value strong planning, procurement, and contract management skills, with a focus on safety, quality, and council decisions. This role sits in our Three Waters team and offers a supportive, growth-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate diploma or technical certificate in a related discipline.
• Experience delivering infrastructure or capital works projects.
• Strong project management with planning, scheduling, budgeting and reporting.
• Ability to manage risks, QA, health and safety, and stakeholder expectations.
• Experience procuring and managing consultants and contractors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-profile capital works and infrastructure projects benefiting communities.
• Manage projects from concept to handover including planning, procurement, and delivery.
• Collaborate with contractors, consultants, iwi, government agencies and community groups.
• Lead procurement processes and manage construction and consultant contracts.
• Balance strategic planning with hands-on delivery and problem-solving.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Budgeting

Scheduling

Reporting

Communication

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Undergraduate diploma

Technical certificate

Civil Engineering degree

Job description

Project Manager
Buller District Council | Te Kaunihera o Kawatiri
Westport | Kawatiri
Permanent | Full-Time | 40 Hours Per Week
$98,869 - $110,500 | Dependent upon skills and qualifications

Join the Buller District Council whānau | Hono mai ki te whānau o Te Kaunihera o Kawatiri
Are you an experienced project manager with a passion for delivering infrastructure that makes a real difference to communities? Do you thrive on leading complex projects, managing stakeholders, and turning strategic plans into successful outcomes?
This is a fantastic opportunity to work within our talented, forward-thinking Three Waters team.Advance your career whilst enjoying a quality work-life balance.

Who are we? | Ko wai mātou?

Buller is a place where rugged landscapes, strong communities, and a spirit of resilience come together. Stretching from Karamea in the north, to Punakaiki in the south, and inland to Reefton and beyond. Our district is home to some of New Zealand's most spectacular environments. At Buller District Council, we're proud of our role as kaitiaki (guardians), working with our communities to support the environmental, social, cultural, and economic wellbeing of the Buller District. Together, we're building a district that is safe, connected, sustainable, and thriving.

As part of our team, you'll enjoy meaningful work, genuine relationships, and the opportunity to make a visible impact across the region.

Why Join Us? | He aha te take e hono mai ai ki a mātou?

At Buller District Council, you'll be part of a supportive and values-driven team that cares about its people and community.

We offer:

• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• A supportive team culture.
• Meaningful mahi that directly benefits our communities.
• Access to comprehensive EAP Services.
• Southern Cross Health Insurance
• An exceptional West Coast lifestyle with world-class outdoor recreation at your doorstep.

The Opportunity | Te Whai Wāhitanga

This role offers a unique mix of:

• Delivering high-profile capital works and infrastructure projects that directly benefit local communities.
• Managing projects from concept through to completion, including planning, procurement, construction, and handover.
• Working across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure assets, including transportation, water, community facilities, and civil infrastructure.
• Collaborating with a broad range of stakeholders including contractors, consultants, iwi, government agencies, and community groups.
• Providing specialist engineering and project management expertise that influences key Council decisions.
• Leading procurement processes and managing significant construction and consultant contracts.
• Balancing strategic planning with hands‑on project delivery and problem-solving.
• Driving innovation, continuous improvement, and best-practice project management within local government.
• Contributing to the growth, resilience, and long‑term sustainability of the Buller District.
• Joining a supportive team environment where your expertise is valued and your professional development is encouraged.

What You'll Bring | Ō Pūkenga me Ō Wheako

We are looking for someone with the following:

Essential:

• An under‑graduate diploma and/or technical certificate within a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience delivering infrastructure or capital works projects.
• Strong project management experience, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and reporting.
• Proven ability to manage project risks, quality assurance, health and safety, and stakeholder expectations.
• Experience procuring and managing consultants and construction contractors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing reports and presenting information to stakeholders.
• Strong relationship‑building and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• High level of problem‑solving, analytical thinking, and decision‑making ability.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Current full New Zealand Driver Licence.
• Legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Desirable:

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resources Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Formal qualification in Project Management or a related technical discipline.
• Experience working within local government or a public sector environment.
• Knowledge of local government legislation, policies, and infrastructure planning processes.
• Experience acting as Contract Manager or Engineer's Representative on infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated success securing or managing government funding applications.
• Familiarity with asset management principles and infrastructure lifecycle planning.
• Experience working with iwi, regulatory authorities, and public sector stakeholders.
• Knowledge of New Zealand procurement frameworks and contract management practices.
• Understanding of New Zealand infrastructure standards, regulatory requirements, and environmental compliance obligations.

Ready for a New Challenge? | Kua rite koe mō tētahi wero hou?

If you're ready to make a significant impact and work in a supportive, forward-thinking environment, we’d love to hear from you!

Please find the position description here: https://tinyurl.com/3s459y8b

All applications are required to be accompanied by a cover letter and a copy of your current Curriculum Vitae.
Any enquiries about this role please email: [e-mail]

Applications close: 3PM, Friday, 23rd of Octoba… 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this recruitment process early if a suitable candidate is identified before the advertised closing date.