Project Manager

Job description

New Zealand Police is working with the community to make New Zealanders be safe and feel safe.

With over 13,000 staff, we provide policing services 24 hours a day, every day.

We operate by land, sea and air, manage over 860,000 emergency calls a year and are always actively preventing crime and crashes.
We’re working towards specific goals and targets that highlight our intent to work collaboratively with iwi and communities, other government sectors and business partners to deliver ‘Our Business’ and achieve long-term change.

Project Manager – Major Operations

* Based at Police National Headquarters, Wellington * Band I * Police Employee * Permanent - Full Time * Nationally Advertised Vacancy * JR 5547380

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We are looking for motivated, capable individuals to apply for the role of Project Manager – Major Operations Group, based at Police National Headquarters, Wellington.

This role reports directly to the Director: Major Operations.

Major Operations sits within Security and International, delivering both planned and unplanned major operations across New Zealand and internationally.

The team works across government, with event hosts, communities, and districts to ensure seamless planning and execution.

As our Project Manager, you’ll drive small to medium-sized projects and operations, applying proven project management methodologies to deliver outcomes on time, within scope, and to a high standard.

You’ll be at the heart of our operational delivery, helping shape how Police respond to major operations.

As the sole Project Manager within the group, you will play a critical role in shaping the future direction of our work.

Beyond managing projects, you’ll provide strategic advice, contribute to business planning, and bring diverse experience to support the wider team.

This includes leading and assisting with a range of corporate and business requirements to ensure alignment with organisational goals.

Some travel may be required as part of this role.

Key Accountabilities:

* Strong project management skills and the ability to apply frameworks across a diverse portfolio.

* A sharp eye for risk and the ability to manage it effectively within a project environment.

* Leadership and coordination across the Major Operations Group.

* Confidence in preparing business cases, reports, presentations, and documentation for Police Executive and key stakeholders.

* Strategic thinking aligned with New Zealand Police operational priorities.



He aha taau e kawe mai | What you’ll bring

Whilst we are looking for skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the role, we also place high importance on your state of mind, the alignment of your values with ours, your ability to contribute to and build high performing teams, and the way that you lead yourself or others.


Whakaritenga motuhake | Special requirements


* Proven experience in project management is essential.

* A recognised qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP, Agile, SCRUM) is desirable.

* This role is critical to business continuity – we need someone who can hit the ground running.

* Ability to use influence to obtain results across diverse levels of an organisation.



This role is Team Leader level.

You can refer to Indicators for Success for further information on the requirements.



Security Clearance Requirements:
To be eligible for this role, you may be asked to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET national security clearance.


The minimum criteria for this level of national security clearance is:
NZ Citizen who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 10 years, or:
* A Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 10 years, or * A citizen of or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last 10 years: Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, or United States of America, and has a background that can be verified by the NZSIS.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a security clearance.

Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process:
http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

Mo tātou | About us

New Zealand Police is the lead agency responsible for preventing crime and enhancing community safety.

It works in partnership with individuals, communities, businesses, and other public sector agencies towards the vision of making New Zealand the safest country.

Police is the government’s largest front-line response agency with around 15,000 staff in large and small communities all over New Zealand and in liaison and policing development roles overseas.
Your development is highly valued at New Zealand Police.

Our employees enjoy significant investment in their development not only at an individual level, but also at the team and community practice level.

We work hard to match you with work that will both play to your strengths and challenge you in new ways.

The work you’ll be engaged in is real, tangible work that directly benefits our frontline and communities.

Taken all together, this means we can offer you career path opportunities to progress in your chosen profession and become a more well-rounded, experienced leader, with opportunities across the range of work we support.



Tono ināianei | Apply now

If this position sounds like you, click apply now and submit a tailored CV.

You will be required to submit an application form.

Before confirmation of hire, pre-employment checks will be undertaken which include reference, drug and alcohol testing and police vetting prior to any written offer being made.



For further information on the application process, please copy and paste this URL: https://www.police.govt.nz/careers

All applications must be submitted online and will not be accepted directly via email.

All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.




Utu ā-tau | Salary

This position is covered by a collective agreement and salary will commence between $102,808 and $108,894 dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role.




If you are an internal applicant, you must apply internally through the police system.

You must provide an alternative contact email address and state your future commitments should you be successful in the next stage of the recruitment process.



Please note: Deadline for applications is 5:00 pm on Sunday 26th October 2025.

Applications may be reviewed prior to the close date as well as contact made with candidates.



If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact sally.french@police.govt.nz

Required Skill Profession

Business Operations Specialists