Senior Programme Manager

Senior Programme Manager

Role type: Fixed Term - December 2028

Location: Auckland or Wellington

Salary band & range: General Salary Range B: $138,938 to $178,986 depending on skills and experience.

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

The Senior Programme Manager (Non-Build/Transformation) leads the delivery of the non-build workstream within the Plant Health and Environment Capability (PHEC) Programme, overseeing the design and implementation of transformation and technology solutions for the new Plant Health and Environment Laboratory in Mount Albert, Auckland.

With accountability for a budget of over $50 million, the role ensures systems and capabilities are resilient, fit for purpose, and future-ready. This include programme planning, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and alignment with MPI and Biosecurity NZ's digital strategies, while also representing MPI in key governance and design forums.

In this role, you'll manage a team and coordinate contributions from suppliers, contractors, and other agencies.

You'll lead the development of technology-enabled capabilities, drive innovative solution design, and ensure programme activities deliver value for money.

Responsibilities include defining and commissioning projects, overseeing project delivery, monitoring performance, managing risks, and supporting the Programme Director with visible leadership.

About You - Mōu

You will have significant experience delivering large-scale, complex business transformation programmes in dynamic environments. You'll bring strong leadership and matrix management skills, with a proven ability to build and guide cross-functional teams.

To be successful in this role you will bring expertise in:

• design processes,
• programme and project management disciplines and methodologies, and
• the practical application of commercial, contractual, and technical knowledge in large organisations.

Your experience will be backed up with relevant professional qualifications, such as Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) and PRINCE2.

You'll have a solid track record in stakeholder engagement, particularly with senior cross-agency partners, and a deep understanding of strategy, governance, operating models, and change management. Your experience includes mentoring project managers, managing design quality and risk, and staying current with industry trends through professional networks. A focus on health, safety, financial risk mitigation, and delivering outcomes aligned with strategic goals will be key to your success in this role.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

Biosecurity New Zealand has a critical role in preventing harmful organisms crossing New Zealand's borders. We manage border and compliance activities as well as preparing for, and responding to, any biosecurity incursions that may occur. We support all New Zealanders and visitors to play their part in protecting our country - including our urban, rural and natural environments - to ensure that all things that make our country special and unique are maintained and protected.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.

To find out more about the Ministry and what we do please click here.

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

• Additional MPI leave days
• Annual Wellness payment
• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames

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" 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 midnight on Sunday 2 November 2025.

If you have any questions about the role, please email

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