- Lead transformative ICT projects in a dynamic University environment
- Drive project excellence with a focus on stakeholder collaboration
- Shape the future of technology at a world-class institution
Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role
Are you an experienced Senior Project Manager with a passion for leading the delivery of innovative ICT solutions? Join the Information Technology Services (ITS) Division at the University of Waikato and play a pivotal role in driving our ICT project portfolio to success.
As the Senior Project Manager, you will lead end-to-end project lifecycles, from initiation and planning to execution, monitoring, and closure, ensuring alignment with the University’s strategic goals. You will collaborate with diverse stakeholders to deliver customer-focused solutions, while providing leadership, mentor project teams, and champion continuous improvement in project governance and delivery methodologies. This role offers the opportunity to drive digital transformation and contribute to a dynamic and innovative ICT portfolio.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead Complex Projects: Oversee the full project lifecycle (initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure) for high-value ICT projects, defining scope, timeframes, budgets, and benefit realisation plans.
- Strategic Alignment: Ensure projects align with the University’s strategic priorities and digital transformation objectives, delivering measurable outcomes.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, including the CIO, ITS leadership, and University-wide teams, while managing external vendors.
- Leadership & Mentorship: Mentor project managers, ensure robust change control, risk management, and quality assurance practices, and uplift project delivery maturity across teams.
- Change Management: Drive user adoption through change management practices, ensuring strong engagement, training, and satisfaction across the University.
- Continuous Improvement: Facilitate lessons learned, refine delivery frameworks, and integrate best practices to enhance project management capability.
Apply today to help shape the future of ICT at the University of Waikato!
Salary will be based on the skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hillcrest Campus.
For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Olivia Derecourt-Griffin, Head of Project Delivery ITS, olivia.derecourt-griffin@waikato.ac.nz. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.
Ko wai koe? – Who are you?
We are seeking a Senior Project Manager with a bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, Management, or a related field, and industry certifications such as Prince2, PMP, PMI, or Agile/Scrum (e.g., Certified ScrumMaster or PMI-ACP). You bring at least 8 years of IT project management experience, with a proven track record of leading high-value, strategic ICT projects, managing large teams, vendors, and governance structures. Ideally, you have experience in tertiary education or research sectors and knowledge of higher education ICT environments.
You are a strategic thinker with high emotional intelligence, exceptional communication, and negotiation skills, capable of engaging executive leadership. You are adaptive, collaborative, and proactive in problem-solving, with integrity and professionalism. Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and experience in Agile and structured project environments are essential.
Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?
The Information Technology Services (ITS) Division is responsible for the coordination of information and communications technology (ICT) planning for the University, the delivery of robust, reliable core ICT infrastructure and enterprise systems and the provision of professional ICT consultancy and customer focused support services.
The ICT vision is “To engage, enable, innovate and protect our ICT services, and empower the University of Waikato to leverage the value of ICT to achieve its strategic goals.”
He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?
We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.
The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.
Ko te Tangata – For the People
The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.
E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.
Applications Close on Tuesday 17th June 2025
Requisition number: 1002642