Principal Project Manager

• Strategic Investment & Programme Leadership
• Stakeholder & Governance Engagement
• Industry Development & Economic Impact
• Delivery Excellence & Regulatory Enablement

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

We’re looking for an experienced and delivery-focused Principal Project Manager to lead the next phase of Auckland Council’s City of Music and Sector Sustainability programmes. This full-time fixed-term role (until June 2027) requires a strategic thinker who can translate high-level goals into smart, actionable investment decisions that generate tangible outcomes for industry and the city centre. Working closely with the Head of Sector Development and Manager Creative Industries, you’ll help unlock long-standing bottlenecks by commissioning targeted workstreams, driving regulatory change where needed, and ensuring investment delivers practical, measurable solutions. This is a role for an all-rounder — someone equally comfortable navigating complex stakeholder environments as they are building milestones, solving problems, and delivering sound, workable solutions that reset perceptions of Auckland’s city centre as a thriving hub for music, creativity, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Designing and implementing a robust measurement and accountability framework, including economic impact assessments to quantify the value of key initiatives such as enabling independent live music in the city centre.
• Leading the commissioning, development, and sequencing of the City of Music and Sector Sustainability investment programmes, ensuring strong engagement and collaboration across Council, relevant sectors, iwi, and elected members.
• Building and maintaining critical relationships across Council departments, local boards, the music sector, and wider creative and innovation ecosystems to drive alignment and buy-in.
• Providing strategic advice and reporting to senior leaders, the Mayor’s Office, elected members, and governance groups, including supporting workshops and committee processes.
• Removing delivery bottlenecks by driving practical solutions, regulatory change where required, and ensuring milestones, compliance, and programme outcomes are achieved.

Click this link to access the Position Description

He kōrero mōu: About you

This role requires a highly experienced programme leader with a strong track record of developing and delivering strategic investment initiatives within complex public sector environments. The ideal candidate will bring deep understanding of industry development — particularly across the creative, technology, and arts sectors, including ngā toi Māori — along with the ability to navigate competing priorities and respond strategically in a fast-moving environment. Strong stakeholder engagement skills are essential, with proven experience working alongside executive leaders, elected members, and diverse partners to deliver high-value programmes on time and within budget.

A minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience is expected, alongside a genuine commitment to strengthening cultural competency and understanding of te ao Māori.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of. 

As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

If you have questions about this role, email me directly at kennedy.sua@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!

Applications close: Sunday 22 March 2026

#workingforauckland #opportunity2026

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.