Project Coordinator Lead

Join us at New Plymouth District Council!

Tūhono mai ki Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu!

Who are we? - Ko wai mātou?

Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu - New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) is shaping the future of our district. We are here to serve our community and create a place where people love to live, work and visit. Guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we are committed to building strong partnerships that respect and celebrate our rich cultural heritage.

Innovation, sustainability and collaboration drive everything we do as we deliver services and initiatives that support our vision: a thriving, connected and future-focused district.

At Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu, we are proud to be an inclusive, dynamic organisation that values people, creativity and progress. If you are passionate about making a real impact and being part of something bigger, this is the place for you.

The opportunity - Te āheinga

We are looking for a Project Coordinator Lead to play a key role in supporting the successful delivery of NPDC’s infrastructure and public works programme.

This role offers the chance to combine people leadership with hands-on project delivery, guiding a team that provides critical coordination and administrative support across the Project Management Office. As the Project Coordinator Lead, you will mentor and develop project coordinators and administrators, optimise resource allocation, and uplift the consistency and quality of our project controls.

You will also take on senior-level coordination for complex, high-priority projects - helping ensure robust planning, governance, reporting and engagement are in place from initiation to completion.

If you enjoy improving processes, building capability and championing best-practice project management standards, this is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on NPDC’s project maturity and community outcomes.

Key responsibilities - Ngā haepapa matua

• Lead, coach and develop the Project Coordination team, ensuring clear responsibilities, performance growth and wellbeing support.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, capability development and resource planning across the coordination function.
• Allocate coordinators and administrators to projects based on priority, skills and workload, and provide backup coverage when required.
• Monitor team capacity and utilisation, reforecast resourcing needs, and escalate constraints early.
• Drive continuous improvement by standardising and enhancing coordination processes, templates and tools (Flowingly, TechOne, SharePoint).
• Oversee contractor panel administration and contract management within the CEMAR system.
• Lead coordination of high-priority or complex projects, ensuring consistent application of NPDC’s project management framework.
• Build strong relationships with sponsors, governance groups and stakeholders, supporting effective reporting, risk management, change control and iwi/hapū engagement.

Essential skills and experience - Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako

• 7+ years’ experience in project coordination or project delivery within complex organisations, including 2+ years leading coordinators or administrators.
• A formal project management qualification, for example PMP, PRINCE2 or MSP/PPM certification.
• Experience working with Kaupapa Māori, competency in tikanga and dedication to applying a Te Ao Māori lens (desirable).
• Advanced proficiency with MS Office, SharePoint and PMIS. Experience with Flowingly is advantageous.
• Strong planning, analytical, reporting and financial management skills, with proven stakeholder engagement and influencing capability.
• Experience in the public sector or local government and working knowledge of relevant legislation (desirable).
• Experience training and coaching others to achieve performance improvement (preferred).

Why Taranaki? - He aha ngā hua o te rohe nei?

Taranaki is not just a region - it is a way of life. Framed by the majestic Mounga Taranaki and the sparkling Tasman Sea, this is where you can hike world-class trails, surf uncrowded beaches and immerse yourself in a vibrant arts and culture scene - all within minutes of each other.

With affordable living, great schools and a strong sense of community, Taranaki is the ideal place to live, work and raise a family. Whether you are chasing adventure, craving tranquillity or looking for both, life here offers an unbeatable balance.

What we offer - Ngā ratonga

At New Plymouth District Council, we are not just offering jobs - we are building careers and creating a workplace where people thrive.

When you join us, you will discover:

• Clear career pathways - to help you grow and succeed.
• Learning and development opportunities - to keep you ahead.
• Support for personal and professional growth - so you can be your best.

Our People’s Package is designed with you in mind, covering five key pillars: Wellbeing, Development, Benefits, Culture and Recognition.

At NPDC, it is not just about what you do - it is about who you become.

You can expect to start in this permanent, full-time role with a salary between $112,646 - $121,406.

Why join us? - Ngā hua o tō hono mai?

Your wellbeing matters to us. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where your contributions are valued and celebrated. Together, we are shaping a vibrant future for New Plymouth - one step, one idea, one achievement at a time.

Applications close on Sunday 1st March 2026

Be part of a council that values people, culture, and opportunity.

Me tūhono mai koe kia tautoko I te Ngāmotu o āpōpō!

Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu 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.