• Lead project portfolio integration and readiness across Council
• Help shape the future of Environment Canterbury
• Flexible, values-led workplace with meaningful impact

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

The region’s evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.

Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

Council plays an important role in responding to national legislation and policy changes – this mahi is part of our operating environment and is embedded in our everyday mahi. The current proposals from central government are significant, and Council is working through the opportunities and implications. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment).

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

This newly established leadership role is a unique opportunity for an experienced portfolio leader to build and lead Environment Canterbury's project integration function. Reporting to the Project Management Office Lead, you will provide organisation-wide oversight of project delivery, readiness and adoption, ensuring change is implemented in a way that is achievable, sustainable and aligned with organisational priorities.

You will work closely with Executive Leadership Team members, senior leaders and project professionals across the organisation, bringing a systems-thinking approach to the project portfolio.  This role combines strategic leadership, portfolio oversight and people leadership, making it ideal for someone who thrives in complex environments and enjoys influencing at the highest levels.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing a small Project Integration team\
• Maintaining an organisation-wide view of the project portfolio and advising on project readiness, capacity and adoption
• Owning and evolving the organisation's project delivery Playbook and portfolio assurance framework
• Providing portfolio reporting and strategic insights to the Executive Leadership Team

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Mōu │ About You

You have the combination of strategic thinking and ability to see the bigger picture, and practical hands-on delivery of portfolio frameworks. You bring extensive experience working with senior leaders in large, complex organisations and have a track record of building high-performing teams, introducing new ways of working and improving organisational maturity.

You are equally comfortable leading discussions with executives, facilitating cross-functional collaboration and diving into the detail when needed. You'll bring strong political awareness, exceptional relationship management skills and a practical approach that balances strategy with a proven track record of action.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience  

You’ll have a relevant tertiary qualification in organisational development, change management, systems thinking or a related discipline.

• At least 10 years' experience supporting senior leaders and delivering organisational improvement or portfolio management initiatives.
• Proven experience leading, coaching and developing teams.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and communication skills.
• Experience developing frameworks, governance processes, assurance reporting or portfolio management practices.
• Experience within central or local government would be highly advantageous.

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | Working at Environment Canterbury  

Our mahi is underpinned by our values:

• Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)
• Pononga (integrity)
• Manaakitanga (people first)
• Whanaungatanga (collaboration)
• Māiatanga (can do)

We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment. We value everyone’s contribution, diverse thinking, and skills.

We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work. We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey.

Ko ētahi atu kōrero | Additional Information

For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Tafflyn Bradford-James on 0274411493.

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Applications close on Wednesday 22 July and will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. Interviews may begin before the closing date, and we reserve the right to close the advertisement early.

Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. 

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can