Senior IT Project Manager (12-month fixed term)at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections)145,192 - 204,977
12
-month fixed term opportunityBased in Wellington at our National OfficeLead a new project that supports frontline staff and the people we manageBe part of a team delivering life-changing digital solutions across Aotearoa Join our digital whānau and help modernise our infrastructure and technology platforms!Mō te tūnga | About the roleWe have an opportunity for a Senior IT Project Manager to join our Offender Management Systems team, at our Wellington National Office on a 12-month fixed term basis.This Product team is responsible for the delivery and maintenance of systems and digital assets used by our frontline staff, and people living in prison or the community.As a Senior IT Project Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring our projects are successfully scope, planned and delivered, and reflect our values and vision.
To be successful you will need a strong focus on collaboration, quality, and outcomes, working with other teams across our Digital organisation to be successful.Your key responsibilities will include:Supporting the Programme Manager by developing and managing a business improvement project to investment phaseDeliver the discovery phase, understanding the business requirements and supporting the development of an effective solution for our frontlineManage cross-product group engagement, working with architects and technical leads to understand the actions, priorities and dependencies needed to make it a successDevelop detailed project plans, budgets, schedules and resources for a full investment caseManage communication and stakeholder requirements through project governance, ensuring technology outcomes enable effective business change and meet departmental and stakeholder needsWork closely with the Programme Manager to ensure delivery objectives are achieved across time, cost, quality, and business outcomesLead risk and issue management across multiple projects, with particular focus on operational and people impactsSupport programme level reporting and governance through accurate status updates, forecasts, and delivery insightsProvide timely, accurate delivery and business change impact reporting to key forums to support informed decision makingMōu | About you We are looking for someone with experience of developing complex business technology projects that align digital solutions and operational needs.
You must be comfortable working in a multi‑vendor and cross‑functional environments, with a strong understanding of business applications, data, and end‑to‑end technology lifecycles.You're also skilled in governance, stakeholder engagement, and developing clear, credible investment cases.Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experienceWe're looking for someone with experience of managing large and complex IT/digital projects through discovery phase to develop a solution that meets our business needs.
Proven ability to building a future delivery plan to support next phase investment plan, including timeline, resources and costs, is a must.Experience of leading a project to develop solutions in highly controlled environments using legacy and/or SaaS services is desirable with experience in asset tracking solutions a benefit.
You'll also bring:A proven track record of delivering public sector projects on time and within budgetExperience with ADO and methodologies such as Agile(Scrum/Kanban) and SAfe (a qualification is a bonus)Familiarity with government procurement and change management processesStrong communication and facilitation skillsThe ability to explain technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiencesExcellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence and build consensusUtu ā-tau | SalaryThe midpoint of the salary range is $162,543 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $145,192- $204,977 per annum.
- Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities.
As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve.
We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.Tono ināianei | Apply NowTo submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link.
All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency- applications received via email will not be considered.When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.Applications close on: Monday 4 May 2026, 11PM NZST.If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact sarah.zagarelos@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.