Senior Project Manager

Role overview

Biosecurity New Zealand is hiring a Senior Project Manager to steer the creation of the Wilding Conifer National Pest Management Plan (NPMP). This position sits within the Pest Management Programmes Group, which delivers major national initiatives that safeguard New Zealand’s environment, economy, and way of life from established pests and diseases.

The assignment runs as a fixed term through 30 June 2029 and is based in Wellington CBD. The salary sits within General Salary Range C at $119,376 to $139,700, with the final offer depending on relevant skills and experience.

What you will do

You will take the lead on developing the NPMP for wilding conifers, with day-to-day support from a Senior Adviser. The role involves close collaboration with the existing Wilding Conifer Control Programme team and other groups within the Pest Management Directorate. A major part of the work will be to shape the rationale and objectives, assess costs and funding, and explore management agency options.

The programme will require substantial engagement and analysis, including an updated cost-benefit assessment, work on how costs should be allocated, and consideration of levy-funding approaches. You will also help ensure the proposal is well prepared for consultation, ministerial consideration, and eventual implementation.

Key responsibilities

• Guide the design and delivery of the National Pest Management Plan for wilding conifers.
• Prepare the NPMP proposal, covering the business case, objectives, costings, funding approach, and possible management agency arrangements.
• Commission and refine an updated cost-benefit analysis, cost-allocation assessment, and levy-funding options.
• Lead consultation on the proposal in line with Biosecurity Act requirements, including submission to the Minister before Cabinet consideration.
• Develop a draft NPMP and the implementation processes needed to put it into practice, aligned with existing operational work.
• Build and sustain effective working relationships with partner organisations and stakeholders.
• Handle public enquiries and draft ministerial advice and correspondence.
• Work across internal and external teams to ensure deliverables, activities, and processes are practical, fit for purpose, and supportive of partnership-based approaches.

What we are looking for

We are seeking someone with strong judgement, strategic thinking, and a solid record in project management. You should be a confident communicator who can build relationships in complex stakeholder environments and who is comfortable helping shape and plan a nationally significant piece of work.

To succeed in this role, you will need experience developing projects in a regulatory setting, along with hands-on delivery experience that includes monitoring, reporting, and risk management. Familiarity with approaches such as Agile or PRINCE2 would be valuable. Experience in a New Zealand government agency, whether central, regional, or another public-sector body, is also required.

Required capabilities

• Project or programme delivery experience, including monitoring, reporting, and risk management.
• Experience working on projects in a regulatory environment.
• Background in a New Zealand government agency.
• Strong planning and coordination ability.
• Excellent relationship management across central and local government, iwi, industry, and community groups.
• Sound strategic judgement and the ability to prioritise work effectively.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate.
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent practical experience.

Team environment

You will be based in Wellington and join an enthusiastic, committed team spread across Christchurch, Nelson, Wellington, and Auckland. The team partners with regional councils, DOC, industry bodies, landowners, community trusts, and other government teams to achieve effective pest management outcomes. Work in this group includes regular collaboration, travel to field locations, and involvement in strategic planning and ministerial decision-making.

About the organisation

The Ministry for Primary Industries works alongside New Zealand’s food and fibre sector to support trusted, high-value food and fibre production. The organisation is committed to strong partnerships under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and values diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

Benefits

• Extra leave days provided by MPI.
• An annual wellness payment.
• A paid eye test twice a year, plus support toward the cost of corrective lenses and frames.

Additional information

Applicants are asked to include in their cover letter information about themselves, their values, their interest in the role, their motivations, and the abilities, strengths, personal attributes, and diverse perspectives they would bring. These may come from experience gained inside or outside the workforce.

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand, or be eligible to obtain it. The application deadline is 11:59pm on Sunday 28 June 2026. For role-related questions, contact Olivia Murphy at Olivia.Murphy@mpi.govt.nz.

MPI welcomes people from all backgrounds and identities and is committed to being a workplace where everyone can thrive.