Programme Manager - Queenstown

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OFFICE OF TRANSFORMATION AND IMPROVEMENT | TE TARI WHAKAUMU ME TE WHAKAPAI AKE
OPERATIONS DIVISION | TE WĀHANGA WHAKAHAERE

•    Nationally acclaimed project management practices, with skills taught on job.
•    Open to flexible work arrangements - achieve a true work/life balance.
•    Industry leader, with strong career progression potential, both internally and externally.

The role | Te mahi

We are seeking a Programme Manager to play a pivotal role in advancing the university’s evolving presence in Queenstown. This role will support a multifaceted programme of work, spanning the development of educational offerings, governance arrangements, and the planning and delivery of any future campus development.

Reporting to the Head of Transformation and Improvement, the Programme Manager will work closely with the University of Otago Programme Lead and Vice-Chancellor’s Office alongside a broad range of internal and external partners, to ensure alignment, momentum, and successful outcomes for our Queenstown and Lakes District strategy.  

With a strong emphasis on relationship building and stakeholder management, it will be crucial to align with the University's vision, manage stakeholder expectations, prioritise tasks, and uphold effective communication throughout.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

You’ll be an experienced and savvy programme management practitioner, skilled in leading through influence, building trust across diverse stakeholder groups, and aligning multiple interests towards shared outcomes.

Our ideal candidate demonstrates:
•    A delivery focus with the ability to effectively manage multiple projects with competing priorities.
•    Exceptional interpersonal skills; adept at influencing stakeholders, including senior leaders.
•    Strong communication and collaboration abilities, skilled at gaining buy-in and strategic influencing.
•    A passion for delivering transformational change.
•    Comfort managing ambiguity and working in a complex and demanding environment.
•    A flexible, pragmatic, positive, proactive approach.

If the above sounds like you – we need to talk!

About our Team | Mō te tīma

Transformation and Improvement focuses on enhancing business processes and implementing significant, impactful change initiatives. Our emphasis is on fostering change, innovation, and improvement across the University community, ensuring excellence in both work and study environments.

Further Details | Pūroko

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), fixed term position of 2 years, located in Queenstown or Dunedin. Travel will be required.

The appointment range for this role is $103,690 to $111,917. Top of the range is $120,143 per annum. An additional allowance may be available for the right candidate.

More information regarding employee benefits can be found here.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected.

For further information regarding the role please contact Naomi Weaver, via the below contact details.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2600156 will close on Tuesday, 10 February 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as submitted and candidates may be invited to interview immediately. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Additional Information

Contact: Naomi Weaver

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email

Location: About Dunedin