Project Manager

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Drive the delivery of exciting Regulatory projects while supporting wider business goals and building strong partnerships for DOC
• $92,450.00 - $116,985.00 pro-rata
• Fixed term/Secondment: 2 years, Wellington Location

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

He angitūtanga | About the role

Are you an experienced Project Manager keen to lead projects to support better regulatory practice? At DOC, you'll have the chance to make a real impact and shape the future of how DOC supports effective use of Conservation resources.

As a Project Manager in the Regulatory Authorisations Unit, you will take the lead in planning, executing, and delivering  projects while ensuring alignment with our broader objectives. You will manage the full project lifecycle while supporting permissions, managing risks, and identifying opportunities for strategic partnerships. Your role will be pivotal in ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality, all while fostering effective communication and working collaboratively to ensure changes are effective.

The position will:

• Be responsible for delivering on projects that support strategy, but at the delivery level.
• Scope, define, and manage project parameters, ensuring clear phases and milestones are established for successful delivery.
• Lead the development of project plans and schedules, working closely with workstream leads to ensure timely and quality outcomes.
• Identify and manage project risks, dependencies, and issues, proactively addressing challenges to keep the project on track.
• Lead effective communication across all project stakeholders, ensuring alignment and transparency at all stages of the project.
• Identify opportunities to create sustainable mechanisms for delivery of small scale changes than align with wider programme objectives.
• Manage and motivate the project team, assigning tasks, monitoring performance, and supporting professional development within a diverse and inclusive team culture.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Solid track record in project management, particularly in complex and changing environments
• Ability to work collaboratively and with demonstrated influential ability.
• Good understanding of operational regulatory processes
• A certified project management professional (e.g., Prince 2 or PMP), with skills in both agile and waterfall project management approaches or demonstrated experience in managing projects.
• Outstanding interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to senior stakeholders
• A willingness to work at all levels, from strategy to operational process.
• Proven ability to assist in the scoping of projects, and articulating business benefits.
• Understanding of business improvement, and operational process.  

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Policy and Regulatory Services Group provides strategic direction and thought leadership for DOC and for the conservation system.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.  We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. 

You can learn more about what we offer

Tono ināianei | Apply now

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

The salary range for this position is $92,450.00 - $116,985.00 pro-rata with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

You are encouraged to discuss secondment opportunities with your manager. Secondments should offer the opportunity to build capability in line with your development plan. You must seek the support of your line manager (minimum Tier 4) in writing before applying for a secondment opportunity and attach it to your application.
Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Please note we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, 1 July 2025

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Emily Blokker, Senior Recruitment Advisor eblokker@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1858188