Project Manager - Strategic Programme Office - 12 month fixed term

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

• Be a leader in a major enterprise finance transformation
• Deliver within a mature, well supported PM environment
• Join a high-impact programme with a strong and evolving pipeline of transformation initiatives across the University

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our Strategic Programme Office (SPO) on a 12-month fixed-term basis, supporting a major Finance transformation programme, including the implementation of a new Finance ERP system.

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of a large-scale initiative, delivering meaningful change across the University. You’ll lead projects or workstreams within a broader programme, working closely with a Programme Director and collaborating with Business Analysts, Change Managers, and technical teams.

Operating in a fast-paced and complex environment, you will play a key role in driving delivery, managing competing priorities, and bringing stakeholders on the journey.

You’ll also be supported by a well-established PM community, including a dedicated PM Practice Lead focused on your development, resourcing, and the application of best practice.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading end-to-end delivery of projects or workstreams within a programme environment
• Applying appropriate project methodologies (PRINCE2, PMP, Agile, P3M) tailored to project needs
• Establishing and maintaining robust governance, reporting, and stage planning
• Managing budgets, resources, risks, and dependencies to achieve delivery outcomes
• Building high-performing project teams with clear roles and accountability
• Engaging and influencing diverse stakeholder groups to support change initiatives
• Ensuring quality delivery and continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle

This is a full time (37.5 hours per week) fixed term (12 month) position. This is a salary band HP role which has a range of $111,000 - $136,000 per annum rate depending on skills and experience.

We support flexible working including time in our Auckland CBD Office.

For more detailed information on the role accountabilities and requirements, please review this position description.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The SPO leads the University’s strategic portfolio of enterprise-wide programmes and projects, ensuring delivery of meaningful outcomes and realisation of benefits.

We sit within the Organisational Performance and Improvement division, enabling strategy execution and continuous improvement across the University.

The Strategic Programme Office (SPO) manages the University’s strategic portfolio of enterprise-wide programmes and projects, delivering large-scale change initiatives aligned to Taumata Teitei (Vision 2030 and Strategic Plan 2025).

We operate within a mature P3M framework and work closely with our strategic partners, including the Business Transformation

He kōrero mōu | About you

You’re a confident, delivery focused Project Manager who thrives in complex transformation environments.

You bring strong judgement, structure, and momentum to your work, balancing detail with the bigger picture. You’re comfortable navigating ambiguity, engaging a wide range of stakeholders, and influencing outcomes in dynamic settings, maintaining the confidence of Sponsors, Business Owners, and other stakeholders.

Your ability to build trust, communicate clearly, and lead collaborative delivery will be key to your success.

Ngā Pūkenga Motuhake | What you will bring

• 5+ years’ project management experience, ideally in business change or transformation projects with technical (IT-based) components
• Proven delivery of complex, organisation-wide projects
• Evidence of Strong financial and resource management capability
• Experience working with structured delivery approaches (PRINCE2, PMP, Agile, P3M)
• Ability to engage and influence senior and diverse stakeholders

Ideally also:

• Experience with Finance transformation, ERP, or digital delivery programmes
• Experience working within a PMO / programme environment
• Experience in preparing and maintaining effective steering Committee and Governance reporting
• Experience in large, complex organisations such as the University

To be eligible for consideration you need at least Bachelor level degree or equivalent experience. 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland creates globally transformative impacts through its distinctive strengths in world-leading research, scholarship, teaching and collaborative partnerships, inspired by our unique position in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through the following:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home and flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programs in person and online courses, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

 

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of Friday 22 of May 2026 (NZST) to be considered.

Interviews will be required to be in person on site (face to face) on our Auckland Campus.

You must have current working rights in New Zealand for the duration of this role.

Please include your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above, and a cover letter indicating your availability and why you want to take on the role described.

Please reach out to graham.harris@auckland.ac.nz for a confidential conversation. We are happy to answer specific questions, but we do not accept applications by email or offer meetings other than interviews. 

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz