Environment Canterbury
Project Manager Strategy & Planning

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Job Type: Fixed Term | Full Time
Location: Christchurch
Job Category: Environmental Services
Support complex, cross-agency projects shaping a thriving, resilient Waitaha
Championing environmental stewardship and community wellbeing
Full Time | Fixed-Term until July 2027
Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury
As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.
The region’s evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.
Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services:
- Environmental Regulation and Protection
- Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
- Public Transport
Council plays an important role in responding to national legislation and policy changes – this mahi is part of our operating environment and is embedded in our everyday mahi. The current proposals from central government are significant, and Council is working through the opportunities and implications. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment).
Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role
This role will be instrumental in the delivery of complex, cross-agency projects that contribute to a more sustainable, resilient Waitaha. You’ll coordinate inputs from technical experts, mana whenua partners, and multiple teams to support the delivery of projects that connect environment, climate, and community outcomes.
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You’ll be responsible for project management across our work in the development of the Canterbury Regional Land Transport Plan and the implementation of the Canterbury Climate Partnership Plan.
You’ll drive project engagement and delivery in line with Environment Canterbury’s frameworks — ensuring milestones are met, risks are managed, and outcomes are achieved.
This is a fixed-term role as the two projects will wrap up at the end of June 2027.
Key Focus Areas
- Support project delivery using Environment Canterbury’s project management frameworks
- Collaborate with technical specialists, strategy advisors, and Rūnanga partners
- Drive clear reporting, effective engagement, and timely decision-making
- Champion best practice project management across teams
For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.
Mōu │ About You
You’re an experienced project manager with a strong track record of delivering complex projects. You bring excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills, and thrive in collaborative environments.
Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience
Ideally, You’ll Have a Qualification In Project Management (Prince2 Or PMI Certification) Or Demonstrable Experience In These Areas Along With
- Minimum 5 years’ experience managing complex projects in regulatory, environmental, or planning contexts
- Experience in Agile and Scrum methodologies
- Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholders
- Strong background in project governance, risk management, and reporting
- A background in government or political environments, environmental planning, biosecurity, or similar is advantageous


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Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | Working at Environment Canterbury
Our Mahi Is Underpinned By Our Values
- Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)
- Pononga (integrity)
- Manaakitanga (people first)
- Whanaungatanga (collaboration)
- Māiatanga (can do)
We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment. We value everyone’s contribution, diverse thinking, and skills.
We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work. We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey.
Ko ētahi atu kōrero | Additional Information
Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Applications close on Wednesday, 23 September and will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. Interviews may begin before the closing date, and we reserve the right to close the advertisement early.
Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role.
We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.
Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can
Job Description
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