Senior Project Manager - Enabling Communities

This role is based in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch

Fixed term contract for 6 months.

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do.

In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child.

We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We are looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager to join our Transition Support Service team.

The Transition Support Service is a legislated service that provides practical and emotional support to rangatahi aged 15–25 as they transition from care or youth justice into adulthood. This support plays a critical role during a significant life stage, helping young people build the foundations for a successful future. As our Senior Project Manager, you will lead the delivery of key strategic projects that will help shape the future direction of the service. This includes leading complex work programmes such as housing system mapping, needs analysis and investment case development to support future service improvements and ensure services continue to meet the evolving needs of rangatahi.

Working closely with senior leaders, project stakeholders and cross-agency partners, you will provide end-to-end project leadership from initiation through to implementation. You will navigate complexity, manage competing priorities, coordinate interdependencies, identify and mitigate risks, and develop compelling evidence-based recommendations that inform strategic decision making. You will play a key role in translating insights, operational demand and service needs into strategic investment opportunities that support better outcomes for rangatahi. This is a unique opportunity to apply your project management expertise to meaningful work that creates more successful futures for young people transitioning from care into adulthood.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• An industry-recognised project management qualification such as PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent.
• Significant experience in a Senior Project Management role, ideally within the public sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in investment case, business case or strategic funding proposal development.
• Experience leading projects through the full project lifecycle, from initiation through to implementation.
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate insights into practical and actionable strategies.
• The ability to analyse operational demand and data and translate findings into a compelling investment narrative.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage, influence and build credibility with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience building trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups, including senior leaders, service teams and cross-agency partners.
• Strong programme planning, governance, reporting and risk management capability.
• The ability to communicate complex ideas and recommendations clearly to a variety of audiences.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• A demonstrated ability to understand strategic context, see the bigger picture and support informed decision making.
• An understanding of and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
• Knowledge of tikanga Māori and an appreciation of diverse cultural perspectives.

You will be a quick starter who can confidently integrate into an established team, rapidly identify priorities and establish effective working relationships to deliver results.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package that offers progression annually for experience through tenure.

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way.

This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to work that has a lasting impact on the lives of rangatahi leaving care and entering adulthood.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter.

If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 1 November 2026