• Lead high-profile strategic and operational projects
• Influence senior leaders and drive organisational change
• Flexible work and ongoing professional development

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

You’ll be an experienced Senior Project Manager with a material focus on the delivery of complex change, would be joining our Knowledge Management Team and lead the successful delivery of complex strategic and operational initiatives across Environment Canterbury. This is a highly visible role, working closely with senior leaders, stakeholders, and project teams to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and achieve lasting business outcomes. You'll play a key role in building organisational capability, driving best practice, and helping shape the future of our organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the change activities for end-to-end delivery of complex projects and programmes of work.
• Providing expert change governance, reporting, risk management, and financial oversight.

• Partnering with leaders and stakeholders to deliver strategic priorities and organisational improvements.

• Facilitating workshops, requirements gathering, and solution development.
• Coaching and mentoring professionals while promoting project and change management best practice.

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

Mōu │ About You

You are a seasoned project and change professional who thrives in complex environments and enjoys influencing outcomes through strong relationships, sound judgement, and effective leadership. You can navigate ambiguity, engage confidently with senior stakeholders, and bring people together to deliver meaningful results. You're equally comfortable rolling up your sleeves to solve problems as you are presenting recommendations to executive audiences.

Mātau ā-Wheako │ Experience

Experience delivering business transformation, process improvement, information systems, or technology-enabled projects will be highly regarded. Previous experience working within local government, the public sector, or politically influenced environments would also be advantageous along with:

• At least 8 years' experience delivering complex projects or programmes.
• Advanced stakeholder engagement, communication, and influencing skills.

• Strong experience using a variety of delivery methodologies.

• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and build capability in others.

• A relevant tertiary qualification and change or project management certification (PROSCI, Prince2, PMI, or equivalent).

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

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Applications close on Wednesday, 2 September 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