Senior Programme Manager
New Zealand, Wellington
About the role
Are you a seasoned programme leader ready to take on a high-impact transformation initiative? We are supporting a large public sector organisation to find an experienced Senior Programme Manager to drive a complex business and technology change programme. This is a fixed-term leadership role that will help shape the future of regulatory service delivery across Aotearoa.
About the Role
You’ll lead the next phase of a national transformation programme focused on modernising regulatory systems, enhancing public safety, and delivering streamlined digital services. With several initiatives already successfully delivered, the programme is entering a critical phase—rolling out additional digital tools, legislative change, and structural reform.
In this senior leadership role, you’ll be responsible for the successful delivery of a large-scale, multi-stream programme, managing operating and capital budgets between $10–15 million annually. You will lead a matrixed delivery team of up to 80 people across business change, technology, policy, and regulatory operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver end-to-end programme planning, governance, reporting, and performance management
- Oversee delivery of multiple complex business and digital transformation projects
- Provide strategic guidance to executive and governance groups
- Manage programme resources, external vendors, and internal stakeholder relationships
- Ensure effective risk management, benefits realisation, and change adoption
- Support business readiness and organisational change with a strong focus on outcomes
- Mentor and guide project delivery teams in a high-change environment
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a transformational leader who brings:
- 10+ years’ senior experience delivering complex, cross-functional programmes
- Proven ability to lead large change initiatives within the public sector
- Expertise in enterprise transformation and business technology delivery
- Strong political acumen and experience influencing senior stakeholders
- Deep knowledge of benefits management and programme assurance
- Experience leading large matrixed teams and managing programme interdependencies
- Familiarity with policy, legislative change, and regulatory environments is a plus
Desirable Qualifications
- Post-graduate qualifications in business, management, technology or a related discipline
- Advanced knowledge of programme and project management frameworks (e.g., MSP, PRINCE2, Agile)
