Project Manager – Strategic Programmes Office (Science & FMHS Initiatives - 12-month FTC)

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Lead complex, high-impact change across health education and research
Work within a mature, well-supported project delivery environment
Collaborate with academic, research and professional leaders across the University

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our Strategic Programmes Office on a 12-month fixed-term basis. This role will lead delivery across a portfolio of faculty-wide strategic initiatives, in particularly a large change spanning the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and the Faculty of Science.

A primary focus of the role will be the continued delivery of a major programme already underway to create new, more accessible pathways into clinical health programmes. This work aims to broaden participation in medical and health sciences, improve equity of access, and ultimately contribute to a more diverse and community-responsive health workforce. You will play a critical role in ensuring coordinated delivery across multiple stakeholders, translating strategy into tangible outcomes for students.

You will also support the establishment of a new Department of Cancer Sciences, bringing together existing research and teaching activities under a unified structure and enabling co-location. This phase of work is focused on organisational design, transition and implementation, laying the foundations for future development.

Beyond these initiatives, the role will contribute to a wider portfolio of strategic faculty priorities, which may evolve over the course of the engagement. This provides an opportunity to apply your expertise across a range of complex projects, supporting the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences to respond to emerging priorities and deliver meaningful impact.

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of the University’s contribution to health outcomes in Aotearoa. You’ll partner closely with academic, research and professional staff to co-design and deliver change that matters.

You will be supported by a well-established delivery environment, including access to a Business Analyst, Change Manager, and Project Coordinator, as well as a strong community of practice led by a dedicated PM Practice Lead focused on capability, consistency and best practice.

Key responsibilities include:

• Bringing a wide range of stakeholders, some very senior, on collaborative journeys to form a new cohesive department
• Establishing and maintaining robust planning, reporting, and governance
• Managing resources, risks, and dependencies to deliver timely outcomes
• Ensuring quality delivery and continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle

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

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Strategic Programmes Office leads the University’s strategic portfolio of enterprise-wide programmes and projects, ensuring delivery of meaningful outcomes and realisation of benefits. Our large-scale change initiatives align to Taumata Teitei (Vision 2030 and Strategic Plan 2025).

We operate within a mature Portfolio, Programme and Project Management framework and work closely with strategic partners such as Business Transformation and IT.

We sit within the Organisational Performance and Improvement division, enabling strategy execution and continuous improvement across the University. We work alongside other professional divisions charged with Information Technology and our extensive built estate, as well as our academic communities who deliver the University’s missions of research and education.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You’re a confident, delivery focused Project Manager who thrives in complex environments. Your ability to build trust, communicate clearly, and lead collaborative delivery will be key to your success. Professional experience in Higher Education, and Health delivery, will make you stand out.

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.

Ngā Pūkenga Motuhake | What you will bring

• 5+ years’ project management experience, ideally in business change projects with people, process and regulatory components
• Experience of delivery within structured approaches under PMO guidance
• Evidence of well evolved risk and issues management capability
• Experience in maintaining effective Steering Committee and Governance reporting
• Ability to engage and influence time-constrained senior and diverse stakeholders, including holding them to account when necessary

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.

This is a full time (37.5 hours per week) fixed term (12 month) employment contract. The position is within the HP salary band, with a salary range of $118,000 to $136,700 per annum, depending on skills and experience. We support flexible working, but you should expect to be present on our Auckland CBD and Grafton Campus regularly.

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

• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave
• Career development programs (in person and online courses),
• Discounted car parking, 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 19th of June 2026 (NZST) to be considered.

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.

• Interviews will be in person on site (face to face) on our Auckland Campus.
• You must have full working rights to work in New Zealand 

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