PMO Lead - Payroll Replacement Programme - Fixed Term - Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Are you an experienced PMO lead looking for a new challenge?
• Fixed term from asap through to approx. Dec 2026
• Be a part of an exciting transformation journey

Join our team and play a critical leadership role in the delivery of our Payroll and HRIS Replacement Programme.

Mō tēnei tūranga - about the role

Join a once-in-a-generation transformation at Fire and Emergency New Zealand embarking on a journey to modernise and future-proof the delivery of payroll and HR services to our people.

As PMO Lead, you'll be at the centre of a major programme of work, providing structure, coordination, and oversight to ensure this complex initiative is delivered effectively, on time, and in line with public sector best practices.

Reporting to the Programme Director, you'll lead the development and operation of a fit-for-purpose Programme Management Office (PMO), support governance and assurance processes, maintain programme documentation, and work closely with stakeholders across Fire and Emergency and central agencies.

This is a fixed-term role from now until approximately December 2026, offering the opportunity to make a lasting impact within a high-trust public service environment that supports both career and volunteer personnel across Aotearoa.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and manage the PMO for the Payroll Replacement Programme
• Lead programme planning, tracking and controls management
• Lead programme governance, reporting, and assurance activities
• Proactively identify, monitor and report on programme risks and issues
• Ensure robust financial management and tracking
• Support the Programme Director with programme engagement and communications
• Provide leadership and mentoring to programme support staff

Ko tāu nā i tēnei tūranga - What you'll bring to the role:

• A minimum of 5-7 years proven experience leading a PMO in large, complex programmes—ideally within the public sector
• Strong understanding of programme and project management methodologies (PRINCE2, MSP, Agile)
• Strong leadership, organisational, and analytical skills, with an ability to influence across a diverse stakeholder base.
• Experience with payroll, HRIS, ERP, or similar systems implementation
• Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• High proficiency with tools like AzureDevOps, MS Project, Power BI, SharePoint, and Microsoft Office
• A collaborative, proactive mindset and commitment to public service values

Ko wai mātou - who are we? 

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is a Crown Entity responsible for reducing unwanted fires, responding to structural and vegetation fires and other emergencies including motor vehicle crashes, medical emergencies, hazardous substance related incidents, natural disasters, and supporting increased community resilience.

Our vision is to build stronger communities and protect what matters most to the people within them. We are proud to be recognised as New Zealand's most trusted public sector agency. Our values reflect what our people believe is core to who we are and the organisation we aspire to be.

• Kia Tika - We Do the Right Thing
• Manaakitanga - We Serve and Support
• Whanaungatanga  - We Are Better Together
• Auahatanga - We Strive to Improve

Ko te tono mai - How to apply:

At Fire and Emergency New Zealand, you'll be part of a values-driven organisation committed to protecting people and communities across the country. This programme will directly support the wellbeing of our people by delivering a modern, reliable payroll solution—and you'll be a key part of making that happen.

Come join us - we are excited about the future of Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and we'd love you to be part of it! We value diversity as a strength and welcome applicants that can help bring a difference to our organisation.

If this sounds like you, apply now. To download a copy of our position description please visit our vacancy page on our FireJobs website. 

If you have any specific questions about this role, please email: nhqjobs@fireandemergency.nz. Please note, applications sent via email will not be accepted. 

We will be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.

Applications close Sunday 22^nd June 2025.

Please note:  Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory for this role.