Senior Project Coordinator

Role overview

This permanent position is based at the National Office in Wellington and sits within a collaborative, supportive team working on important initiatives across a large and varied property portfolio. The work involves contributing to capital projects in a unique custodial environment, where careful coordination and consistent delivery are essential.

What you will do

In this role, you will help keep multiple projects moving efficiently from planning through procurement, delivery, and final close-out. The focus is on vertical and horizontal construction work, together with urgent smaller infrastructure upgrades. You will need to coordinate carefully, engage stakeholders effectively, and maintain strong execution standards while working in live custodial settings.

You will also support project financials, manage risk, and help ensure compliance across the project lifecycle. In addition, you will assist Project Managers with scoping, defining, planning, and delivering capital projects, and contribute to the preparation of business cases for governance decisions.

What makes this opportunity unique

This position offers the chance to build specialist experience in a challenging and meaningful environment while contributing to infrastructure solutions that have real impact.

Skills and experience needed

Applicants from outside the region must be prepared to relocate to Wellington at their own cost to be considered.

• At least 3 years of demonstrated project coordination experience in construction, assets, or property, using established project methods, tools, and practices.
• Practical experience supporting change control, documentation, and compliance activities.
• Well-developed monitoring and reporting skills, with the ability to keep projects aligned to both regulatory and organisational requirements.
• Exposure to P3M3, change management, and benefits realisation frameworks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to work closely with stakeholders and support reports and business cases.
• Willingness to travel when needed.

About the organisation

You will be joining Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, a values-led public service organisation focused on improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and addressing the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. The organisation is guided by the principles of rangatira, manaaki, wairua, kaitiaki, and whānau, and is committed to inclusion, diversity, and a fair recruitment process.

Application process

Applications must be submitted through the organisation’s careers site; email applications will not be accepted. Candidates should provide a tailored CV and a cover letter explaining their motivation for joining, as well as the experience and skills they bring and how these align with the work.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 1 July 2026 at 11pm NZST. If you would like further information, you may contact [email protected].

Salary

The midpoint of the pay range is $104,897 per year. The full range is $89,163 to $125,877 per year, representing 85% to 120% of the midpoint. Final pay will depend on relevant skills and experience.

Additional information

The organisation welcomes discussion about reasonable accommodations if needed during the recruitment process.