Programme Manager

Role overview

The Ministry of Justice in New Zealand is hiring an experienced Programme Manager to steer the design, coordination, and delivery of important justice-sector programmes, including the setup of a new firearms regulator. This is a fast-moving role for someone who is comfortable working through complexity, handling several interconnected workstreams, and engaging a wide range of stakeholders.

You will own the programme from end to end, covering strategic planning, governance, risk oversight, and progress reporting. The role calls for strong delivery focus, especially where deadlines are tight and policy outcomes must be met.

This is a fixed-term position for 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and performance reporting for complex work programmes in a public sector environment.
• Coordinate delivery across multiple workstreams while keeping activity aligned to strategic priorities and using resources effectively.
• Develop and support governance arrangements that strengthen oversight and enable sound decision-making.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders across different groups.

Skills and experience

To succeed in this role, you should bring:

• Established experience managing large, complex programmes, ideally in a government or public policy setting.
• A qualification in programme or project management, or comparable practical experience.
• Good understanding of public sector systems, operating processes, and accountability requirements.
• A cooperative, inclusive, and politically aware style when working with others.

About the organisation

The Ministry of Justice is committed to strengthening trust in the law of Aotearoa New Zealand. Within the Justice Policy Group, you would join a high-performing team working toward a safer and fairer society, while also honouring obligations to Māori.

The organisation welcomes people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities, and religions.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours where operationally possible.
• Access to an online professional development portal.
• Membership of a range of inclusive and proactive networks.
• Opportunities to broaden skills and gain varied experience across a large organisation.

Salary

The salary range for this role is between NZ$149,972 and NZ$193,782, depending on skills and experience.

Application information

Applications close on 26 June 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may be arranged before the closing date for shortlisted candidates.

If you have any questions, you can contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz.

Additional information

This role involves working in Wellington, New Zealand, on an onsite basis. The job is associated with the Justice Policy Group and includes programme leadership responsibilities tied to key justice initiatives.