Programme Office Lead

Overview

We are collaborating exclusively with a prominent financial services organisation based in Auckland, New Zealand, to recruit a seasoned Programme Office Lead. This pivotal role involves establishing a Programme Management Office (PMO) from scratch to design and implement the governance, planning, and delivery frameworks critical for a significant enterprise-wide transformation.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and ongoing management of the PMO, defining operational processes and aligning multiple workstreams.
• Develop and maintain governance structures, including integrated scheduling, dependency mapping, risk and issue management (RAID), decision-making frameworks, and change control procedures.
• Collaborate with senior executives and programme managers to ensure seamless communication, risk visibility, and timely delivery of benefits.
• Create precise executive-level communications such as presentations, dashboards, and decision papers, focused on clarity and impact.
• Oversee commercial aspects including benefits realisation, baseline setting, performance tracking, and ensuring accountability.
• Proactively identify and resolve bottlenecks by challenging assumptions, escalating issues early, and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.

Candidate Requirements

• Extensive experience (8 to 12+ years) in managing programmes or transformations involving multiple concurrent workstreams.
• Proven track record of establishing PMOs, ideally from the ground up, with a focus beyond routine reporting to program design and operational rhythm.
• Demonstrated expertise in governance, control measures, and programme management tools.
• Strong communication skills with a focus on delivering executive-level materials without unnecessary detail.
• Commercial acumen related to benefits realisation and financial controls within programmes.
• Ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders, offering challenge and support as needed.
• Preferably experienced within the financial services sector or other regulated industries.
• Technical proficiency using PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint/Teams, and planning/scheduling tools such as MS Project or Smartsheet.
• Certifications like PMP, PRINCE2, MSP, or SAFe are advantageous but not mandatory.

Additional Information

Applicants must be New Zealand citizens, residents, or hold valid work rights for New Zealand visa compliance. References will be requested at the appropriate selection stage and should not be submitted with the initial application. Early enquiries can be directed to the contact provided referencing Job ID: 18174.

About the Employer

The partnering organisation is recognised for bringing together specialised teams to deliver collaborative solutions tailored to client needs. They focus on meaningful partnerships that support shared objectives and transformational success.