At the Otago Regional Council (ORC), our mission is protecting, connecting and enhancing Otago's environment, now and for the future - Mou, moku, mo tatou, For you, for me, for us. To be sure we can deliver on our responsibilities, we are evolving as an organisation, and we're not overstating when we say we have some really big targets to reach. We need the right people, in the right roles, to help us to get there.

We think Otago's a pretty special place. It covers a vast area - the third largest local government region in New Zealand. Those who call Otago home enjoy access to mountains, coastal lowlands, dramatic rivers, and wild beaches. Our environment here is part of who we are, and at ORC, we work each day to look after it.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Senior Project Manager to join our Engineering on a permanent, full time (37.5 hours per week) basis, in our busy Dunedin office.

The purpose of this position is to assist the Assets and Delivery Team Leader and Manager Engineering to deliver infrastructure projects and contracts.

As a Senior Project Manager, you will be responsible for:

• Managing Flood Protection infrastructure projects using standard project management processes including scope and budget control.
• Coordinating multi-disciplined teams of internal and external resources to achieve agreed objectives
• Liaising with the project team as resourced across multiple projects, including external consultants and contractors
• Manage contracts with suppliers and contractors to undertake professional services and construction works
• Providing leadership within in the project management function, including expert advice and guidance, coaching and mentoring
• Building and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders

If you are an experienced project manager and enjoy with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, then this is the role for you!

About You

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A tertiary qualification in Engineering (Civil) or similar experience
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and/or Prince2 Practitioner
• 10+ years’ experience in civil engineering, project or contract management
• 5+ years’ experience in client-side project management withing government, local government, or public enterprise environment
• Sound project programming and risk management skills

The job description can be found here - PD Senior Project Manager Engineering October 2025 (1)

What we offer

We recognise and celebrate diversity within Team ORC and are committed to providing a work environment that supports inclusion and equal opportunities. We actively encourage applications from anyone who will live our values of MANA- We influence with respect and integrity, TIKA- We do the right thing and do things right and AROHA- We show that that we care.

To support our diverse and capable team, we're pleased to offer enhanced benefits such as:

• Flexible work opportunities
• Life Insurance
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Superannuation
• An annual wellbeing programme
• Competitive remuneration packages
• Development opportunities

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria, we welcome your application, including your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the person for this role via the Apply button.

Please note. We don't always work to fixed closing dates and may start considering and interviewing candidates as their applications are received, so we encourage you to apply early.

At ORC, we value diversity, and the different strengths people bring. We can provide flexible recruitment options such as virtual interviews, online kōrero, or whānau-inclusive interviews. If you would like to have whānau support with you during your interview, just let us know—we welcome it!

Learn more about who we are — join our online whānau! Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to see what life at ORC is like.

All candidates require the right to work in New Zealand.

Applications close: Monday 19 January 2026

For further information, please contact human.resources@orc.govt.nz