Senior Project Manager - Capital Works

About the opportunity

Auckland Council is looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager to take charge of medium to high complexity capital works and renewals delivery. This position supports the council’s Māori Outcomes Strategy and sits within a broader network of kaupapa Māori kaimahi. The role brings together hands-on project leadership with a strong commitment to delivering meaningful Māori outcomes across programmes of work.

You will coordinate project teams that include council employees, contractors, and external partners, with a focus on safe, efficient delivery that aligns with council processes and creates positive outcomes for communities.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee projects from start to finish, making sure delivery stays on schedule, within budget, and aligned with quality expectations.
• Contribute technical guidance during planning and business case preparation so project scope and execution are well defined.
• Handle procurement activity and manage consultants and contractors, while developing effective relationships with Māori businesses and delivery partners.
• Lead financial management tasks such as budgeting, forecasting, cost tracking, and accurate reporting through project systems.
• Maintain compliance with health and safety requirements, governance processes, and council frameworks, while also supporting continuous improvement and mentoring others.

About you

We are seeking a skilled project leader with strong communication ability and a track record of delivering medium to high complexity construction and capital works projects. You should have sound knowledge of procurement, contract administration, site monitoring, health and safety, and risk management.

You will need to build trusted relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, including in politically sensitive environments, and be comfortable working across multiple projects and teams at once. A practical, organised, and solution-oriented mindset is important, along with the ability to make good decisions when situations are unclear. A genuine appreciation for mātauranga Māori is essential, along with an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and, ideally, te reo me ōna tikanga Māori.

What you bring

• At least 10 years of experience delivering capital works and renewals projects.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in engineering, construction, architecture, or a similar discipline; project management certification such as PRINCE2 or PMP is preferred.
• Experience with systems such as SAP and Sentient is an advantage.
• A current New Zealand driver’s licence.

What we offer

You will receive a competitive salary, join a friendly and collaborative team focused on serving customers, and have access to dedicated training and development to support your career growth. As part of the Auckland Council Group, you will also have access to a range of employee benefits and discounts.

Additional information

The formal title for this position is Senior Project Manager Māori Outcomes.

If you have questions about the role, please contact [email protected].

Applications close on Sunday 21 June 2026.

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a workplace that values diversity and inclusion. If you need support or access adjustments during recruitment, you are encouraged to let the team know when you apply.