Programme Manager

Why You'd Like It
This role puts you in charge of the technology side of one of New Zealand's larger infrastructure investments. You'll own the ICT programme for new-build assets from planning through to entry into service, covering connectivity, systems integration, cybersecurity, assurance, and operational readiness. Few programmes in New Zealand give you end-to-end ownership of a technology lifecycle at this scale.
 
The Story
Our client is replacing core operational assets as part of a multi-year national programme. The programme involves several organisations: internal business units, a separate Crown entity, an international manufacturer, original equipment manufacturers, and specialist suppliers. Each has its own mandate, governance process, and timelines.
The client needs a Programme Manager to lead its ICT contribution. That means:

• owning the integrated ICT plan and the dependencies within it,
• keeping technology delivery aligned with asset design, manufacture, installation, trials, and commissioning,
• protecting the wider programme's critical path.

Scope is still evolving, and the boundaries between manufacturer-supplied systems, corporate ICT, and operational technology are not yet fully defined. Part of the job is putting structure around that.
 
Company Profile
Our client is a large New Zealand organisation in the transport and infrastructure sector, with operations nationwide. The role sits within its ICT function in Wellington.
 
Your Role

• Lead the planning, governance, and delivery of the ICT programme to the agreed scope, budget, timeframes, and operational readiness standards.
• Own the integrated ICT plan, aligning technology delivery with procurement, manufacture, installation, trials, commissioning, and entry-into-service milestones.
• Coordinate the workstreams: core ICT infrastructure, connectivity, systems integration, cybersecurity and assurance, service transition, and support model readiness.
• Manage risks, issues, assumptions, decisions, and dependencies, and escalate material impacts through the programme's governance forums.
• Define scope, requirements, ownership, funding boundaries, and acceptance criteria. Make sure unapproved or unfunded requests go through formal change control before entering delivery.
• Own ICT capex and opex forecasting, cost control, contingency, and benefits traceability.
• Manage commercial arrangements with OEMs, systems integrators, and specialist suppliers.
• Report to the Executive Leadership Team, Steering Committees, Boards, and external governance bodies.

Benefits

• 24-month fixed-term role on a nationally significant programme.
• Wellington-based, with hybrid working.
• Domestic and international travel to manufacturing and supplier sites.
• [Salary range - to confirm with client]

Your Fit

• 10+ years leading large, complex technology or infrastructure-enabled programmes with multiple workstreams, vendors, and senior stakeholders.
• Strong experience in programme governance, integrated planning, RAID, financial control, procurement, vendor management, and executive reporting.
• Experience taking programmes through design, build, integration, testing, commissioning, and operational handover.
• Understanding of how ICT infrastructure, systems integration, cybersecurity, operational technology, and business operations interact.
• Experience with independent assurance reviews, gateway processes, and external auditors.
• Experience building structure where requirements, decision rights, or funding boundaries were initially unclear.
• A relevant degree or equivalent senior programme experience, plus a recognised programme management certification such as MSP, PgMP, or PRINCE2.
• Experience in transport, infrastructure, or other asset-intensive environments will be viewed favourably. [Confirm with client]
• A current NZ driver's licence and the ability to pass regular drug and alcohol screening.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand. If you are not a NZ Citizen, you must have the right of permanent residence or a valid work visa.