Programme Manager

HR Connect Limited

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

RSHL is seeking a Programme Manager to lead one of New Zealand’s most significant public-sector digital transformation programmes, IRIS NextGen. This complex, multi-year programme aims to modernise regulatory systems across regional councils nationwide by replacing the legacy IRIS Classic application. The role involves coordinating, leading, and supporting multiple interdependent workstreams, including software design, build and test, cross-council implementations over a three-year deployment schedule, sector alignment around consistent good practice, and stakeholder engagement and governance across councils, vendors, and stakeholder groups. The Programme Manager will provide leadership across the IRIS NextGen programme implementation and roadmap, working within RSHL’s Programme Management Office. This position requires confidence in operating in complexity, influencing without authority, and balancing delivery rigor within a collaborative partnership, offering a unique opportunity to shape good practice and lead a sophisticated software transformation on a national scale.

Requirements

Seasoned Programme Manager with a strong track record delivering large-scale, multi-organisation technology programmes
Proven experience leading complex digital or enterprise software programmes
Strong understanding of software development lifecycles and SaaS implementations
Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups
Confidence managing delivery environments with little slack in timelines
A strategic, future focused mindset paired with hands on delivery discipline
Excellent communication skills and professional credibility at senior levels

Nice To Haves

Experience working with councils, shared services, or collaborative sector programmes

Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end delivery of the IRIS NextGen programme, ensuring outcomes are achieved on time and within agreed funding
Ensure programme planning, dependencies, risks, issues and change activities align to best practice
Work closely with councils, clients, product management and governance groups to maintain alignment and momentum
Coordinate multiple concurrent council implementations with minimal tolerance for slippage
Embed robust programme and change management disciplines across the lifecycle
Provide clear, timely and professional reporting to senior stakeholders and programme governance groups