Project Manager – Strategic Programmes Office (Science & FMHS Initiatives - 12-month FTC)

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

New Zealand’s premier university (65th in the QS World University Rankings 2026), combining excellence in research and teaching to more than 45,000 students from NZ and 100 other countries.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

• Lead significant people and process change to benefit health outcomes
• Deliver within a mature, well supported PM environment
• Work with research, academic and professional staff across the University

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our Strategic Programmes Office on a 12-month fixed-term basis, supporting two major initiatives involving both the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.

The first (well under way) is providing exciting new science and health science pathways for students into clinical degree tracks. The aim is to make studying medical and health sciences more accessible to a wider range of students than before. This will improve equity in study options and potentially result in more community-based medicine practitioners. You will take responsibility to ensure that all stakeholders work collaboratively to deliver their part of the change so that it delivers real new opportunities for students.

The second, just announced, is to help bring into being a new Department of Cancer Sciences. It will bring together existing research and teaching activities, with a view to establishing a comprehensive cancer centre, in partnership with Auckland Hospital and the wider community, to advance cancer care for Aotearoa and beyond.

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of the University’s contribution to health. You’ll work closely with research, academic and professional staff to co-deliver the outcomes they value. Your team includes access to a Business Analyst, a Change Manager, and a dedicated Project Coordinator.

You’ll also be supported by a well-established PM community, including a dedicated PM Practice Lead focused on your development, resourcing, and the application of best practice.

Key responsibilities include:

• Bringing a wide range of stakeholders, some very senior, on collaborative journeys to form a new cohesive department
• Establishing and maintaining robust planning, reporting, and governance
• Managing resources, risks, and dependencies to deliver timely outcomes
• Ensuring quality delivery and continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle

This is a full time (37.5 hours per week) fixed term (12 month) employment contract. The position is within the HP salary band, with a salary range of $118,000 to $136,700 per annum, depending on skills and experience. We support flexible working, but you should expect to be present on our Auckland CBD and Grafton Campus regularly.

For more detailed information on the role accountabilities and requirements, please review this position description.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Strategic Programmes Office leads the University’s strategic portfolio of enterprise-wide programmes and projects, ensuring delivery of meaningful outcomes and realisation of benefits. Our large-scale change initiatives align to Taumata Teitei (Vision 2030 and Strategic Plan 2025).

We operate within a mature Portfolio, Programme and Project Management framework and work closely with strategic partners such as Business Transformation and IT.

We sit within the Organisational Performance and Improvement division, enabling strategy execution and continuous improvement across the University. We work alongside other professional divisions charged with Information Technology and our extensive built estate, as well as our academic communities who deliver the University’s missions of research and education.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You’re a confident, delivery focused Project Manager who thrives in complex environments. Your ability to build trust, communicate clearly, and lead collaborative delivery will be key to your success. Professional experience in Higher Education, and Health delivery, will make you stand out.

You bring strong judgement, structure, and momentum to your work, balancing detail with the bigger picture. You’re comfortable navigating ambiguity, engaging a wide range of stakeholders, and influencing outcomes in dynamic settings, maintaining the confidence of Sponsors, Business Owners, and other stakeholders.

Ngā Pūkenga Motuhake | What you will bring

• 5+ years’ project management experience, ideally in business change projects with people, process and regulatory components
• Experience of delivery within structured approaches under PMO guidance
• Evidence of well evolved risk and issues management capability
• Experience in maintaining effective Steering Committee and Governance reporting
• Ability to engage and influence time-constrained senior and diverse stakeholders, including holding them to account when necessary

Additional Information

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland creates globally transformative impacts through its distinctive strengths in world-leading research, scholarship, teaching and collaborative partnerships, inspired by our unique position in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through the following:

• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave
• Career development programs (in person and online courses),
• Discounted car parking, childcare, and other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of Friday 22 May 2026 (NZST) to be considered. Please include your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above, and a cover letter indicating your availability and why you want to take on the role described.

• Interviews will be in person on site (face to face) on our Auckland Campus.
• You must have full working rights to work in New Zealand 

We recently completed a recruitment process for this role. Candidates who applied in the April 2026 round do not need to reapply, as their previous application has already been considered.

Please reach out to graham.harris@auckland.ac.nz for a confidential conversation. We are happy to answer specific questions, but we do not accept applications by email or offer meetings other than interviews. 

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz