Programme Director

• Fixed term opportunity (ending 25th June 2027)
• Auckland-based, City office
• Senior programme leadership role delivering high-profile city centre regeneration outcomes

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Council’s  Auckland Urban Development Office has an opportunity for a Programme Director (internally referred to as Priority Location Director) within the Growth and Regeneration Delivery team.

This is a pivotal leadership role accountable for turning regeneration aspirations into clear, deliverable outcomes. You will lead a programme team, drive performance and accountability, and oversee the end-to-end delivery of the city centre programmes - from initiation through to on-the-ground delivery - ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned to agreed strategic outcomes for communities, partners, and Auckland.

This role sits at the heart of a major period of transformation for Tāmaki Makaurau, with the imminent opening of the City Rail Link (CRL) creating significant opportunity, change, and momentum across the city centre. You will play a key role in shaping how regeneration and place outcomes are translated from vision into practical delivery in this next phase of growth.

You will work across a complex system of stakeholders including mana whenua, elected members, central government agencies, local boards, delivery partners, council teams, and city centre partners and community, ensuring alignment and delivery cohesion across competing priorities.

This role is about accountability, clarity, and delivery momentum; ensuring programmes are structured effectively, governed well, and executed with discipline from initiation through to implementation.

Day-to-day you could expect to work on:

• Leading city centre programme planning, governance reporting, and delivery assurance across the programmes
• Leading early-stage programme scoping, initiation, and business case development that translates vision into implementable delivery plans
• Coordinating multi-disciplinary teams across Council and external partners to maintain delivery momentum
• Managing high-level stakeholder relationships with elected members, mana whenua, central government, and development partners
• Identifying, managing, and resolving risks and issues to ensure delivery remains on track
• Preparing and presenting programme updates and decisions to governance forums and decision-making bodies
• Support city centre governance forums to seek strategic advice, build alignment and drive decisions.

Please note: This is a fixed term full-time opportunity (ending 25th June 2027)

He kōrero mōu: About you

This role requires experience in similar senior programme or complex delivery leadership roles, with a sound understanding of large-scale public sector or urban regeneration environments.

We are looking for someone with:

• Extensive experience (15+ years) delivering large, complex programmes or developments from initiation through to completion
• Proven experience leading early-stage complex programme scoping, initiation, and business case development (essential)
• Strong capability in programme governance, financial oversight (capex/opex), and benefits realisation
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence in cross-functional, multi-disciplinary teams
• Exceptional stakeholder management experience in politically sensitive or high public scrutiny environments
• Strong understanding of te Tiriti o Waitangi and proven ability to work effectively with mana whenua and Māori partners

Nice-to-haves (not essential):

•    Experience in urban regeneration, property development, or infrastructure programmes
•    Background in local government or large public sector organisations
•    Established networks within the Auckland development or infrastructure sector

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

Auckland Council is the largest local government council across Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people and contributing towards making Tāmaki Makaurau a world-class city. We offer a range of employee benefits and proudly support flexible working options where possible.

You’ll have access to a range of fantastic Auckland Council benefits, EAP services, an Oranga Day and discounted Leisure Centre membership and a range of other partnership discounts! View a snapshot of some of our employee benefits here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HCrGnm_Fy1RMrhSkvVZaf3GPtZDk3BLd/view?usp=sharing

We are a diverse organisation – we value diversity in our thinking, and we can only achieve that with a diverse team!

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini - My success is not mine alone, but the success of many.

Tono Mai: Apply Now!

You can find the position description here
Applications close: Thursday 18th June 2026, 11.59pm

Please note: Qualification Checks will be conducted along with other relevant pre-employment checks required for employment with Auckland Council.

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered

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.

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