Senior Project Manager - Regional Projects

Published: 29 May 2026

Senior Project Manager – Permanent

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Te whakapakari tahi i tō tātau Taiao – Enhancing our environment together.

Our vision is a healthy environment and a resilient and prosperous community.

About The opportunity | Ko te āheinga

Cyclone Gabrielle has had a significant and long-lasting impact on the infrastructure, environment and communities in our region. We are looking for a Senior Project Manager to join our Regional Projects team to make an active contribution to the recovery effort, contributing towards making our region a better place to live. This is a Permanent, fulltime role offering diverse, engaging work and a rare chance to help redesign a region wide flood network, with projects that will evolve over the next decade. These projects will make a real difference for Hawke’s Bay, bringing you immense job satisfaction and a feeling of true achievement.

Based in Hawke’s Bay as part of a wider delivery team, you will be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of major infrastructure projects, from concept through to construction and completion. You will play a key leadership role within the IPMO team, mentoring and coaching staff while ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to scope. You’ll also foster innovation and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

About you | E pā ana ki a koe:

You bring strong leadership capability and the ability to stay composed under pressure, with the agility to quickly adapt to new systems and processes. You are highly organised, with proven experience managing multiple priorities while maintaining strong attention to detail. As a confident communicator, you build and sustain positive relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, and bring the technical expertise needed to make a meaningful contribution to the organisation.

We’re seeking someone who is proactive, able to anticipate change, stay adaptable, and deliver innovative solutions. Your sound judgement, initiative, and ability to balance competing priorities will be critical to your success in this role. In return, we offer a career-defining opportunity, a competitive remuneration package, and the chance to work on impactful and meaningful projects.

Ideally you will also have:

• Relevant equivalent tertiary qualification (Civil Engineering, Geology, Environmental Studies)/ post graduate studies / professional body certification / registration.
• 10 + years relevant experience delivering infrastructure projects for local government, utilities or consulting engineer.
• Demonstrated project management track record in projects of at least $50M capex.
• Experience in delivery of technically complex solutions – with emphasis on large civil and earthworks preferred.
• Relevant experience of project management frameworks, systems and practices.
• Practical understanding of contract documentation (NZS3910).
• Experience in delivery of technically complex solutions – with emphasis on civil and earthworks preferred.
• Sound understanding of relevant legislation.
• Valid driver’s licence required.
• Resilience, adaptability, and flexibility to keep up with the ever-changing nature of HBRC.

What we offer | Nga huanga mōu

The salary range for this role is between $110,790 to $126,670 and will depend on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

Other benefits of working for our team include:

• Flexible working options to support work/life balance
• Subsidised eye tests and lenses, flu vaccinations, and other well-being initiatives
• Strong commitment to developing and upskilling people within a supportive working environment.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We recognise that collaborative and innovative organisations depend on having a workforce made up from a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. We're all about excellence, and we encourage open communication – if you need any specific support, just let us know! Our main goal is to empower each person to share their unique talents to contribute to the outcomes for our community. This commitment ensures that our workplace is a dynamic and progressive space where everyone can flourish.

HBRC is responsible for Civil Defence emergencies and as such, all staff may be called upon to support the response.

How to apply | I pēhea ki te whakauru:

Applications close Friday, 19 June 2026 and If you’re interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as suitable candidates will be shortlisted and interviewed as applications are received.

Applicants must have existing rights to work in New Zealand.

To view the job description please visit our website here

Please apply through Seek. If you would like any further information regarding the role, please email ***email_hidden***

About us | E pā ki a mātou:

At Hawke’s Bay Regional Council our purpose is to work with our community to protect and manage the region’s precious taonga of rivers, lakes, soils, air, coast and biodiversity for health, wellbeing and connectivity. Our organisation is diverse and our work is varied. Our structure comprises of six key business units; Corporate Services, Integrated Catchment Management, Asset Management, Māori Partnerships, Policy & Regulation, and the Executive Advisory Group which also consists of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

We focus on prioritising

Te kounga o te wai, te haumarutanga me te mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi o te whakamarutanga | Water quality, safety and climate-resilient security.

Kia koi, kia toitū hoki te whakamahinga o te whenua | Climate-smart and sustainable land use.

Kia ora, kia āhei, kia mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi hoki te rerenga rauropi | Healthy, functioning and climate-resilient biodiversity.

Kia toitū, kia mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi hoki ngā ratonga me ngā hanganga ā-whare | Sustainable and climate-resilient services and infrastructure.