Manager Regional Projects

Published: 23 June 2026

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 āheingaba

Cyclone Gabrielle has had a significant and long-lasting impact on the infrastructure, environment and communities in our region. We are looking for a Manager Regional Projects 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, full-time leadership role based in Napier, within the Infrastructure Programme Management Office (IPMO). You will oversee a diverse portfolio of major infrastructure projects ranging from flood protection upgrades to water security initiatives, while leading a high‑performing team of project managers, technical specialists, and engagement professionals. Your work will directly influence the resilience, safety, and wellbeing of Hawke’s Bay communities for decades to come.

You will set strategic direction, champion best‑practice project delivery, and ensure the IPMO has the capability, systems, and frameworks needed to deliver a complex, multi‑year capital programme. This is a rare opportunity to lead at scale, drive innovation, and contribute to meaningful, region‑wide outcomes.

You will be an experienced infrastructure leader with the ability to guide a large, multidisciplinary team and deliver complex capital projects with confidence. You will have the technical depth, strategic mindset, and leadership presence needed to run a high‑performing programme office and ensure projects are delivered to scope, cost, and time.

You will have strong relationship‑building skills, the ability to communicate clearly across diverse audiences, and the judgement to navigate challenging issues with professionalism. You will be adaptable, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement in systems, processes, and project delivery practices.

Ideally you will also have:

• Relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent tertiary qualification in Engineering.
• 15+ years’ experience delivering infrastructure projects in local government, utilities, or consultancy.
• Proven leadership experience managing large teams and complex programmes.
• Strong understanding of NZS3910 and contract documentation.
• Experience with project management frameworks, systems and practices.
• Knowledge of local government procurement and NZ infrastructure specifications.
• Valid driver’s licence required.

What we offer | Nga huanga mōu

The salary range for this role is between $146,030 to $171,800 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
• 5 weeks annual leave after 3 years
• 4% superannuation after 3 years
• Life insurance and income protection
• 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.

Applications close Thursday, 23 July 2026, however we will be shortlisting and interviewing appropriate candidates as applications are received. If you are interested in this position, please do not wait to apply as we may close the ad earlier than advertised.

Applicants must have existing rights to work in New Zealand.

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If you would like any further information regarding the role, please email ***email_hidden***

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.