Head of Portfolio Delivery

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Hamilton City Council is looking for a strategic, people-focused Head of Portfolio Delivery to steer the capital programme across a high-performing, multidisciplinary team, delivering major infrastructure and community projects safely and on time with clear value for communities. Essential credentials include extensive senior leadership in complex infrastructure delivery, relevant tertiary qualifications, strong contract management and NZS3910 expertise, and proven ability to advise at executive and governance levels while managing risk. Desirable experience with Kaupapa Māori and local government legislation. To apply, view the position description, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight measurable programme outcomes, governance reporting, stakeholder engagement with iwi regulators and funders, and change leadership, then apply online. Close 31 August 2026.

Company Description

This position sits within the Infrastructure and Assets Group who, from planning to maintenance, are dedicated to delivering resilient infrastructure and services that enrich lives today and ensure a thriving future for our community.

Job Description

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Hamilton City Council’s most significant functions, shaping the delivery of major infrastructure and community investment projects that make a lasting difference for our city. As Head of Portfolio Delivery, you’ll provide strategic leadership across our capital programme, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and with a strong focus on value for our communities.

Leading a high-performing, multidisciplinary team, you'll drive excellence across programme and project delivery while building a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. You'll be responsible for delivering organisational priorities and achieving Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan commitments, while developing the capability, systems, and practices needed to consistently deliver outstanding results.

Working closely with the Portfolio Planning Team and Portfolio Office, you'll play a key role in embedding best-practice investment and delivery frameworks, strengthening project governance, and lifting delivery performance across the organisation. If you're a people focused and experienced leader with a passion for delivering complex programmes, developing high-performing teams, and creating meaningful outcomes for communities, we'd welcome your application.  

Qualifications

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

Essential

• Extensive senior leadership experience across project, programme or portfolio delivery in a complex infrastructure environment 
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in engineering, project management, management or similar disciplines 
• Strong commercial capability, including experience with contract management frameworks 
• Expertise in NZS3910 and how to apply it in a Local Govt context
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams including programme managers, project managers, and technical specialists 
• Advanced capability in risk management, project controls, performance reporting and delivery assurance 
• Demonstrated ability to operate confidently at executive and governance levels, providing clear advice and insights. 
• Experience working with iwi, regulators, funders and diverse stakeholder groups 
• Demonstrated experience leading delivery organisations through change or transition 

Desirable

• Experience working with Kaupapa Māori, competency in Tikanga, and a commitment to applying a Te Ao Māori lens 
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence in a complex, public-facing environment, with knowledge of local government legislation 
• Thorough working knowledge of the Resource Management Act 1991, Building Act 2004, and other relevant legislation and regulations 

Additional Information

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa $202k dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 31 August 2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. 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. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.