Senior IT Project Manager

Lead delivery of MSD's Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) capability

Drive a complex programme involving identity, integration, security and operational readiness

24-month fixed-term opportunity based in Wellington

This is a highly visible role requiring sound judgement, strong delivery focus, and the ability to contribute beyond execution into planning and shaping work in a complex environment.

About our team - Mō te tīma

Every week, around 1.4 million New Zealanders count on MSD for income support and services to connect with work, housing and better lives for their families.

Our Technology group provides the technologies, innovation and expertise that enable MSD staff and partners to deliver these essential services, today and into the future.

We're driving a once in a lifetime transformation of services for New Zealanders. The group is a key enabler of this change bringing together strategic thinkers, technology specialists and delivery leaders to design solutions and deliver change while keeping vital services running reliably every day.

About the role - Mō te tūnga

We are looking for an experienced Senior IT Project Manager to lead the delivery of MSD's Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) capability.

CIAM is a critical enabler for MSD's future digital services, providing the identity foundation required to securely deliver customer-facing services. The work involves delivery across multiple technology platforms, integration points, vendors, security domains and business stakeholders.

This role will be responsible for leading delivery through implementation, operational readiness, service transition and handover into Business as Usual (BAU) operations.

You will work closely with programme leadership, architecture, security, operations, vendors and business stakeholders to coordinate complex dependencies and ensure successful delivery of this strategic capability.

This is a 24-month fixed-term position based in our Wellington National Office.

Key responsibilities include:

Lead the end-to-end delivery of MSD's Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) capability

Manage delivery across multiple systems, vendors, workstreams and stakeholder groups

Coordinate complex technical, business and operational dependencies

Drive integrated planning, governance, risk and issue management activities

Lead implementation planning and delivery across technology, security and business teams

Ensure operational readiness activities are successfully planned and delivered

Establish and support service transition and handover into BAU operations

Manage financials, delivery reporting and governance forums

Engage effectively with architecture, security, operational support teams and senior stakeholders

Identify and resolve delivery risks, blockers and dependency challenges

We're committed to creating a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Diverse perspectives strengthen our mahi, and we value the unique contributions everyone brings to the team.

Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.

What you bring - Ōu pūmanawatanga

We are seeking an experienced delivery leader who can successfully navigate complex technology environments and bring together multiple teams to deliver a critical strategic capability for MSD.

You will be comfortable operating in large-scale delivery environments and have a proven ability to lead programmes involving significant technical complexity, multiple stakeholders and competing delivery priorities.

You will also bring:

Proven experience leading complex technology delivery initiatives involving multiple systems, workstreams and stakeholders

Understanding of Identity and Access Management, preferably Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) capabilities and associated delivery challenges

Demonstrated experience managing complex system integrations and navigating technical, operational and business dependencies

Experience leading delivery across architecture, security, operational support and vendor teams

Ability to plan and deliver operational readiness activities, including support model design, service transition and handover into BAU operations

Strong governance, risk, issue and financial management capability

Experience engaging with senior stakeholders and operating within structured governance environments

Strong collaborative leadership skills and the ability to bring diverse teams together around shared outcomes

Proven ability to lead delivery through uncertainty, change and competing priorities

Position description - He whakaahuatanga tūnga

A copy of the position description can be found here. Senior Project Manager position description.

Salary - Utu-ā-tau: $163,784 - $203,820

We expect to appoint this position up to $177,433 however a salary offer will be based on the preferred candidates' skills and experience and our team relativities.

Applications close - Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Wednesday, 14 October 2026.

About us - Mō mātou

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We're in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.

We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.

As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.

How to apply - Me pēhea te tuku tono

Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.

Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.

All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected]

Internal MSD Employees - please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Joining us - Ko te hono mai

Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.

We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.

If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.