Programme Managerat Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections)124,578 - 175,875
12
-month fixed-term or secondment opportunityBased in WellingtonOccasional travel required Provide strategic leadership for our Housing on Corrections Land (HOCL) Additional Capacity programme!Mō te tūnga | About the roleThe Housing on Corrections Land (HOCL) Additional Capacity programme delivers additional, purpose‑built housing on Corrections sites to support the safe reintegration of high and very high‑risk people into the community.
Spanning multiple locations, the programme progresses feasibility, investment cases and delivery of residential and supporting facilities, balancing public safety, operational requirements, and connection to whānau and support services.As the Programme Manager, you'll provide strategic leadership for the Housing on Corrections Land Additional Capacity programme, overseeing its definition, planning, and delivery.
This role establishes the programme foundations, initiates priority work, and coordinates activities to support future expansion across multiple sites.With a strong people‑centred approach, the Programme Manager develops a fit‑for‑purpose operating model, ensures alignment with public safety objectives and organisational priorities, and delivers timely strategic advice.
The role is accountable for programme governance, performance monitoring and reporting, and the proactive management of risks across all initiatives.This position is based in Wellington.Applicants from outside the region must be willing to relocate.
Occasional travel within New Zealand to support engagement and delivery of the work will also be required at times.
Where overnight stays are required, these will be planned in advance and are not expected to exceed 2-3 nights at a time.Mōu | About you We're seeking a collaborative and influential leader with highly developed interpersonal skills and a strong track record of building credible relationships across senior leaders, governance groups, and technical experts.
You'll bring demonstrated thought leadership and proven experience delivering complex projects and programmes, with a sound, practical understanding of project, programme, and portfolio management methodologies.Comfortable operating in complex and ambiguous environments, you're able to analyse issues systematically, draw on multiple sources of information, and develop practical, evidence‑based recommendations.Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experienceTo be successful in this role you will have:Demonstrated experience leading the development and successful approval of a Better Business Case (BBC) to Treasury, including Strategic, Economic, Commercial, Financial and Management Cases, for a complex, operationally focused infrastructure or facilities programme.Proven ability to translate operational requirements, public safety outcomes, and service delivery needs into clear, compelling investment logic that withstands central agency scrutiny.Demonstrated leadership delivering large‑scale, multi‑site infrastructure or capital programmes, comprising multiple projects and workstreams, preferably within a public service, justice, or social infrastructure environment.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead cross‑functional collaboration and build credible relationships with senior leaders, governance groups, central agencies, and technical specialists.Highly developed strategic, analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to operate effectively in complex and ambiguous environments.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated experience preparing high‑quality investment papers, governance briefings and advice for senior decision‑Appropriate professional or industry qualification (for example PRINCE2, MSP, or equivalent).Experience mentoring and guiding staff across programme and project delivery functions.Utu ā-tau | SalaryThe midpoint of the salary range is $146,562 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $124,578
- $175,875 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: Sunday 10 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