Programme Manager
Our purpose | To tatou kaupapa
We are the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Aotearoa New Zealand’s independent environmental regulator. Our role is important: to help protect our country’s unique way of life by looking out for the health of its environment, its economy, and its people.
Our kaupapa is about making the right decisions based on evidence, mātauranga, and science. At the EPA, we encourage big ideas and bold goals.
What we achieve today helps shape the future of New Zealand for generations to come.
Jump in the waka - make history with us.
About our group | Mō te roopu
The Corporate Services Group works in close partnership with the wider business to lead, support, and enable the EPA to achieve its strategic intentions and effectively and efficiently deliver its core functions. There are five key functions within the Corporate Services Group.
These are:
Information Management and Technology, People and Capability, Communications and Customer, Finance and Business Services, and Enterprise Projects.
Enterprise Projects provides programme and project leadership governance and assurance, ensuring investment and resources are focused on the initiatives that will have the greatest impact. By partnering with business groups across the EPA, Enterprise Projects helps turn strategic goals into successful outcomes that strengthen the organisation's ability to deliver its core functions.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
This is a fixed term role for 12 months
This role is based in our Wellington office. While we're happy to consider work-from-home arrangements, full-time remote working would only be considered for the right candidate.
We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead two critical pieces of work for the EPA: the implementation of our AI initiatives and delivery of the Hazardous Substances Improvement Programme.
You will be responsible for establishing and managing programme governance, developing delivery plans, managing risks and dependencies, and ensuring successful implementation of programme outcomes. You will also be providing project and change management leadership and coaching to other project managers. You will work closely with senior leaders, subject matter experts, and key stakeholders across the organisation to deliver change that is practical, sustainable, and aligned with organisational priorities.
Success in this role will require a strong focus on programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, organisational change, and embedding new ways of working. You will ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards while supporting effective decision-making and governance throughout the programme lifecycle.
About you | Mōhou ake
We are looking for someone with a range of skills and experience – if you have some or all the below, we would love to hear from you.
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Extensive experience leading large-scale programmes and delivering outcomes in complex organisational settings.
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Demonstrated experience in design, build, and delivery of technology solutions.
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Strong project and programme management capability, including planning, governance, risk management, reporting, and benefits realisation.
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Demonstrated experience leading organisational change initiatives and supporting successful transition and adoption of new processes, systems, or ways of working.
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Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility with senior leaders and subject matter experts.
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Proven ability to identify risks, solve complex problems, and make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.
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Experience working across multiple workstreams and managing competing priorities while maintaining delivery momentum.
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Knowledge of programme management methodologies and frameworks, with relevant certifications such as PRINCE2, PMI, or change management qualifications viewed favourably.
What’s in it for you | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou
There are extra benefits to working at the EPA:
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flexible working culture
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three additional paid leave days between Christmas and New Year in addition to four weeks’ annual leave
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$200 non-taxable payment to help you set up working at home
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an annual paid EPA Environment Day to support the community with environmental initiatives
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in-house Māori cultural capability building programme
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learning opportunities, including the annual EPA Symposium
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active and lively social club, and diverse groups and support networks
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EPA awards recognising individual and team effort.
Salary range
$147,688 - $221,532 per annum (midpoint $184,610).
This is the full salary range of the band, from 80% - 120%. Appointments will generally be made at or below the midpoint of this range, depending on skills and experience.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Complete the online application form and submit your CV and a covering letter.
Please note: your covering letter is an important part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your experience relates to this role, and why you applied. Tell us about you, your values, and/or whakapapa.
View the Position Description
For more information, please contact recruit@epa.govt.nz or check out the careers section of our website www.epa.govt.nz/careers.
We are open to supporting inter agency secondments. If possible, please discuss the prospect of joining us with your current manager, before submitting your application.
Applications close | Rā Katinga
Friday 5pm, 18 September 2026
We will review applications as they are submitted and may begin our selection process prior to the end of the application stage