Manager, Programme Management Office | Auckland Tamaki

Job Description

Manager, Programme Management Office

Plant Health & Environment Capability Programme

Role type: Fixed Term (Until June 2028)

Location: Wellington or Auckland, Tamaki

Salary Band & Range: General Salary Range B: $141,717 to $165,970 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

The Plant Health and Environment Capability (PHEC) Programme is a cornerstone investment in New Zealand's biosecurity system. It will deliver a new, fit-for-purpose Plant Health Environment Laboratory facility and supporting capabilities to strengthen environmental protection and enable innovative growth and resilience in our food and fibre sectors.

You will lead the MPI PHEC Programme Office and ensure best-practice programme management for the non-build components of this significant programme. This is a leadership role that requires strategic oversight, operational excellence, and the ability to foster collaboration across multiple work streams and agencies.

 You will:

• , Ensure there is robust programme and project management across all initiatives in the PHEC Programme
• Align delivery with Biosecurity New Zealand's Programme and Project Management Frameworks
• Oversee risk, reporting, and scheduling systems
• Provide programme support for Transformation and Business Change work streams
• Maintain and update core programme control documents and approvals
• Act as Contract Manager for MPI contracts under the PHEC Programme
• Manage the interface with Crown Infrastructure Delivery (CID) for scheduling, risk, reporting, and finance tracking
• Lead and develop the MPI PHEC Programme Office team, ensuring effective communication, engagement, and performance management
• Support the Programme Director by providing visible leadership and fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture

 This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a programme that will have a lasting impact on New Zealand's biosecurity and environmental capability.

About You – Mōu

You are an experienced programme leader who thrives in complex, dynamic environments and can bring clarity and confidence to large-scale transformation initiatives. You will have:

• Significant experience leading and supporting large-scale, complex programmes
• Strong leadership and matrix management skills, with the ability to build and lead cross-functional teams
• In-depth knowledge of programme and project management disciplines, tools, and techniques
• Professional Qualifications in Programme Management (such as MSP) and Project Management (such as PRINCE2)
• Proven ability to manage and engage with senior stakeholders across business units with competing priorities
• Understanding of strategy, governance frameworks, operating models, and change management
• Experience mentoring and guiding project managers and fostering capability
• Up-to-date industry knowledge through engagement with professional bodies and networks

A track record in managing project and programme costs, timelines, and risk mitigation, including health, safety and financial risk.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

Biosecurity New Zealand has a critical role in preventing harmful organisms crossing New Zealand's borders. We manage border and compliance activities as well as preparing for, and responding to, any biosecurity incursions that may occur. We support all New Zealanders and visitors to play their part in protecting our country - including our urban, rural and natural environments – to ensure that all things that make our country special and unique are maintained and protected.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.

To find out more about the Ministry and what we do please click here.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua 

• Additional MPI leave days
• Annual Wellness payment
• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “Apply” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 7th October 2026. 

If you have any questions about the role, please email Luke.Farrell@mpi.govt.nz    

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