PMO Lead

About The Role

Join the Civil Aviation Authority's Digital Transformation and Technology division as a PMO Lead on a fixed-term contract. You will spearhead the Programme Management Office within a significant business transformation initiative, providing governance, planning, reporting, financial controls, and assurance across a complex portfolio. This leadership role involves managing a team of Project Coordinators to ensure successful delivery of outcomes while maintaining strong stakeholder engagement and bringing clarity and control to multifaceted transformation projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Project Coordination team across the transformation programme.
• Implement and uphold programme governance frameworks, control mechanisms, standards, and reporting procedures.
• Manage governance meetings including preparation of agendas, documentation, minutes, follow-ups, and decisions.
• Deliver high-quality programme reports, dashboards, and insightful performance data for senior leadership and governance bodies.
• Oversee enterprise-wide risk, issue, dependency, assumption, and change management processes.
• Maintain comprehensive, integrated programme plans and monitor achievement of critical milestones.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial oversight activities for the programme.
• Promote standardization of project management approaches across multiple projects and streams.
• Identify and implement continuous improvements within PMO processes, tools, and reporting systems.

About The Business Transformation Programme

This is a unique chance to contribute at the onset of a major organisational transformation with strong executive backing. The transformation will fundamentally shape the future of the Civil Aviation Authority and the wider aviation sector in New Zealand. Although initially a one-year fixed-term contract pending business case approval, it represents an opportunity to make a significant impact on pioneering change rather than routine improvements.

What You'll Bring

• Extensive experience leading PMO functions within large-scale programmes or portfolios.
• Successful track record managing governance, assurance, reporting, and control frameworks in programme environments.
• Thorough understanding of project and programme management methodologies and best practice frameworks.
• Proven capability in handling programme finances, risk mitigation, issue resolution, dependency and change management.
• Demonstrated leadership managing PMO or project support teams.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and coordination skills with attention to detail.
• Strong analytical abilities to detect emerging risks, trends, and impacts on delivery.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, especially at senior leadership and governance levels.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and programme/project management tools.

About Us

The Civil Aviation Authority regulates New Zealand's aviation safety and security. We aim to protect the travelling public while supporting the aviation sector and maintaining New Zealand’s international reputation. Our vision is a safe and secure aviation system where everyone can feel safe when flying. We are guided by values of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration, and are committed to diversity, inclusion, and a supportive workplace culture.

Benefits

• KiwiSaver contributions matched up to 4%
• Vision care support
• Flu vaccination access
• Employee Assistance Programme

Additional Information

The salary range for this position is NZD 115,536 to 141,751 annually, depending on the experience and skills of the successful applicant as well as internal comparatives. Applications close on 6 August 2026, but early applications are encouraged as shortlisting may begin in advance. Applicants needing accessibility accommodations during recruitment are encouraged to request support.

Note: Please send all inquiries to the recruitment team via email at [email protected]. Emailed applications will not be considered; applications must be submitted through the specified online process.