EPMO Practice Lead

Full job description
Drive delivery excellence and help shape how projects are planned, executed, and delivered across Napier City Council. As EPMO Practice Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in embedding best practice, strengthening project capability, and supporting successful outcomes that align with our strategic priorities.

You’ll act as a trusted advisor, working alongside project professionals including portfolio leads, programme managers and project managers to provide expert guidance, mentoring, and governance oversight. Through collaboration and continuous improvement, you’ll help ensure that the Council’s portfolio of projects delivers maximum benefit to our organisation and community.

Napier City Council is moving to an outsourced model for project management coordinated through Portfolio Leads. This approach provides access to specialist expertise and scalable capacity during a period of transition. This role will also need to work closely with external project managers to ensure seamless delivery.

This is a role for an experienced project professional who thrives in a dynamic environment, balancing strategic thinking with practical leadership to drive quality, consistency, and impact across all levels of project delivery.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

Lead, mentor, and support programme and project teams to deliver high-quality outcomes using EPMO frameworks and best practice.
Monitor project and programme performance, conducting health checks and recommending improvements.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve project management processes, tools, and reporting.
Support capability building across the organisation through training, coaching, and change management.
Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
Champion consistent project governance and quality assurance across Napier City Council.
He kōrero mōhou - About You

Relevant tertiary qualification and recognised project management certification (e.g., PMBOK, PRINCE2, Agile, or similar).
Extensive experience in programme, project, or change management, ideally within local or central government.
Strong leadership, mentoring, and communication skills — able to influence, negotiate, and build trusted relationships.
Strategic, analytical, and commercially minded, with a focus on quality, improvement, and results.
Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

5 weeks annual leave after 2 years service
Discounted Health Insurance Work Scheme + Eye Test Subsidy
Retailer Discounts + Study assistance
Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club
Free flu vaccinations (annual)
Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
Te Reo Māori language classes
This is a permanent, full time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You will be based in Napier CBD.

The annual salary package for this role is between $120,700 - $142,000 (including KiwiSaver), with room to negotiate depending on your skills and experience.

Applications for this role close on 31 October 2026, however due to the highly competitive employment market we will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person. Please do not delay in making your application.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including drug testing, with some roles requiring health screening). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.


Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – EPMO Practice Lead


Department
Strategy & Urban Development
Locations
Napier
Employment Type
Permanent