Project Manager. Biosecurity NZ

Job Title: Project Manager, Biosecurity NZ

Role type: Fixed Term / Secondment to March 2027, full-time hours

Location: Auckland

General Salary Range D: starting salary $100,934 to $135,076 depending on skills and experience

Are you ready to be part of the transformational work that will shape the future of our Biosecurity Services at Auckland Airport's Arrivals Terminal?

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

As our Project Manager you will play a crucial part in the Biosecurity Digital Border Programme's Auckland Airport Project i.e. managing the work to re-establish MPI's Biosecurity Services in the new arrivals terminal at Auckland Airport.

Our transformational programme of work is in the early phases of implementation - the business case has been approved, the contracts have been signed and many elements of the work have commenced. This role is ideal for someone with experience leading multi-disciplinary projects that span operations, technology, infrastructure and finance systems with strong people change aspects. You'll be responsible for driving strategic outcomes by managing multiple interrelated workstreams, engaging stakeholders at all levels of the business, and ensuring delivery aligns with MPI's Digital Border Programme.

You will be part of a high-performing team experiencing significant growth, working with established systems, trusted contractors, and strong local and national supplier networks.  Working closely with the Senior Programme Manager you will take the project from pre-construction through to completion and play an important role in driving performance, improving processes, and delivering great outcomes for our clients and business.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Lead the implementation of strategic projects, from early phase commencement through to delivery and benefits realisation
• Oversee and coordinate internal teams, contractors, and vendors to achieve project milestones
• Engage with stakeholders across operations, HR, IT, finance, Unions and executive leadership, as well as external partners, consultants, and regulators
• Integrate people change management practices to ensure smooth adoption of new ways of working
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks, ensuring issues are resolved promptly.
• Support project governance through regular reporting, steering groups, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

About You - Mōu

You are an experienced Project Manager who understands the 'big picture' and thrives on delivering high-quality outcomes. You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience leading people change through transformational projects
• Strong project management experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• Proven skills in budgeting, governance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement
• Experience integrating technology with logistics, supply chain, or operations preferred
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to lead with impact
• Tertiary qualification in business, project management, or a related field preferred
• Commitment to health, safety, and compliance standards

If you're ready to lead a transformational programme of work that will deliver real impact for New Zealand, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

The Biosecurity Digital Border Programme has been established to coordinate a series of inter-related projects that are intended to create a more seamless border experience for international travellers arriving in New Zealand while maintaining or exceeding biosecurity levels.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

Our role includes seizing export opportunities for our food and fibre sector, improving sector productivity, ensuring the food we produce is safe, increasing sustainable resource use, and protecting New Zealand from biological risk.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Additional MPI leave days
• The Project Manager will have access to free car parking at both the airport and our Mangere based office

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click "APPLY FOR THIS JOB" or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it - click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 02 November 2025.

If you have any questions about the role, please email 

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