Programme Manager Emerging Technologies

Job description

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for driving digital transformation and innovation?
We're seeking a Programme Manager – Emerging Technologies to strategically oversee and integrate multiple initiatives at different stages across the Ministry of Justice.

This exciting new role will support the Ministry's effort to explore AI and other emerging technologies to drive innovation and meet the evolving needs of Aotearoa New Zealand.
You will thrive in a collaborative environment, working with senior leaders and external partners to shape the future of our digital services, while ensuring initiatives are well-governed, aligned and visible.

If you have a strong IT/Digital background, experience managing complex programmes, and the ability to influence and engage across diverse teams, we want to hear from you!

Te Haeata/The Opportunity
As Programme Manager – Emerging Technologies, your purpose is to provide strategic oversight and integration for all AI and innovation initiatives within the Ministry of Justice.

You will oversee initiatives, ensuring they are coherent, effectively governed, and aligned with organisational strategies and priorities.
The role sits within the Strategic Business Partnering team which is part of the Digital Group.

You will not be directly responsible for the delivery of technology projects.

Instead, your focus will be on building visibility, providing guidance, and shaping how multiple projects and opportunities are prioritised and resourced.

You'll develop and maintain a strategic roadmap of emerging technology initiatives and ensure priorities are aligned to organisational outcomes.
You will work closely with internal leadership, Business Partners across all parts of the Ministry, technical teams and external partners across the public sector.
Your core responsibilities include maintaining an overview of ongoing initiatives, embedding programme management processes, supporting governance, and delivering high-impact reporting and briefings to senior leadership.

You will play a key role in fostering collaboration, embedding best practice frameworks, and promoting a culture that values data, information, and innovation as core assets.
By joining this team, you will be part of a cross-functional, collaborative environment that encourages continuous improvement, embraces emerging technologies, and places a strong emphasis on service excellence, integrity, and respect.

You will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on how digital services are designed, delivered, and supported for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience
To be successful in the role, you will bring the following:
* Strategic Programme Management: Proven ability to oversee and integrate complex initiatives across multiple teams, embedding best-practice frameworks, Governance and high-impact reporting frameworks, supporting transparent decision-making
* Stakeholder Engagement: Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior leaders across a variety of internal and external groups
* Innovation Leadership: Experience driving the adoption and integration of emerging technologies, including but not limited to AI, and fostering a culture of innovation within large organisations.
* Communication and Influence: Excellent storytelling and communication skills to articulate complex information clearly and foster consensus among stakeholders.
* Technical Acumen: A background in IT/Digital, with the capability to interpret technical concepts and translate them into insights for diverse audiences.
* Business Process Improvement: Ability to identify and implement new approaches to enhance business processes and drive continuous improvement across digital services.
* Adaptability and Judgement: Capacity to work autonomously, adapt to evolving programme needs, and exercise sound judgement in complex, multidisciplinary settings.

Mō mātou/About us
At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Digital is integral to how Justice thinks about, delivers, and uses technology.

We are the core group leading the delivery of the Digital Strategy, working closely with the judiciary, iwi and our Ministry and sector partners to ensure Justice mahi is best supported, enabled and empowered by digital.


Within Digital, you will be part of the Strategic Business Partnering team which is responsible to for engaging at a senior strategic level and serve as advocates of the business units, understanding business needs, priorities and drivers, and acting as the conduit between Digital and other parts of the Ministry.

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here
We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be.

These include:
* 4.4 weeks annual leave
* Flexible working arrangements available to ensure healthy work life balance
* Enhanced sick leave arrangements
* Transfer of Public Sector long service leave
* Wellbeing support and access to free EAP counselling
* Contribution to prescriptions for glasses
* Access to a range of internal training courses to grow both technical and soft skills, including Te Ao Māori
See our full range of benefits here
With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.
Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions

Utu ā-tau/Salary
The appointing salary for this role will be between $127,427 and $176,789 based on skills and experience.

Tono mai/Apply
To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website.

You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.
Applications close on Sunday, 9 November 2025; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and may invite successful candidates to interview before the close date.
If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz
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Required Skill Profession

Operations Specialties Managers