Senior Project Manager, Commissioning & Investment

Fixed Term until 30 June 2027 This role is based in Wellington. 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 Oranga Tamariki's Commissioning and Investment Group is delivering a significant transformation programme that will shift the way we partner with providers and invest in services that support tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. Managing approximately $500 million in annual investment, the Group is moving from a traditional purchasing approach to a more strategic commissioning model focused on delivering better outcomes. This transformation spans commissioning, contracting, provider engagement, investment decision-making and service recommissioning, and responds to recommendations from external reviews aimed at strengthening the system. As Senior Project Manager, you will play a critical role in bringing structure, coordination and momentum to a complex programme of work. Working closely with a Programme Manager, two General Managers and five Team Managers, you will help plan, sequence and coordinate activity across multiple interconnected workstreams while ensuring risks, dependencies and competing priorities are effectively managed. This is a highly collaborative role where success will come through influence, facilitation and strong stakeholder relationships rather than formal authority. Key areas of focus include: Developing and maintaining an integrated delivery plan across multiple workstreams Supporting contract extensions, contract changes and innovative contracting approaches Coordinating activity relating to care service monitoring and provider assessments Supporting the development of commissioning tools, frameworks and investment approaches Enabling the phased recommissioning of services Supporting communications, engagement and change activities across the programme Identifying risks, issues and emerging challenges and ensuring timely escalation Preparing delivery reporting and governance information Managing dependencies, resource constraints and delivery trade-offs across the programme Supporting leaders and teams to adopt effective programme and portfolio management practices Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring To be successful in this role, you will bring proven experience leading and coordinating complex programmes or portfolios within large and dynamic environments. YOU WILL ALSO DEMONSTRATE: Extensive project and programme management experience across multiple workstreams Outstanding delivery planning and coordination capability Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills The ability to influence, negotiate and build consensus without direct authority Experience managing competing priorities, dependencies and organisational complexity Strong judgement and the ability to provide practical advice and recommendations to senior leaders Excellent verbal and written communication skills Resilience, adaptability and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving The ability to create clarity, structure and focus in complex environments A commitment to mentoring and building capability in programme and portfolio management practices Knowledge of commissioning, procurement, contracting or public sector delivery frameworks would be advantageous 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. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $125,926 and $139,459. 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 the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi while helping shape the future of commissioning and investment across the Ministry. To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit Employee Benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr