Job Description

Portfolio Manager

EPMO | Enabling Services

We're looking for an experienced Portfolio Manager to help shape and oversee Te Papa's enterprise portfolio of programmes and projects.

Purpose of the position

Our Enterprise Programme Management Office has recently transitioned from a PMO to an EPMO, expanding its role in supporting enterprise-wide governance support and delivery. The Portfolio Manager is a newly created position that will play a pivotal role in supporting the transition and embedding an integrated enterprise approach.

The role is responsible for overseeing delivery of the organisation's approved portfolio and driving continuous improvement of EPMO practice and capability.

Working alongside project managers, business owners, sponsors and senior leaders, you'll strengthen delivery capability, embed consistent practices, and support executive decision making through the delivery of an integrated and visible portfolio delivery plan.

What success looks like

After your first year, people will describe you as someone who has brought clarity and confidence to portfolio delivery. Executive leaders trust the information and insights you provide to make informed investment decisions and project teams value your support and guidance.

You've established a trusted enterprise view of delivery, strengthened prioritisation, improved visibility of organisational capacity and dependencies and applied consistent portfolio management practices that help Te Papa deliver its strategic priorities more effectively.

Key responsibilities

You'll lead the coordination and oversight of Te Papa's enterprise portfolio by developing and maintaining the integrated portfolio schedule, managing cross-project dependencies, monitoring portfolio health and supporting prioritisation across competing initiatives.

You'll provide executive reporting and analysis that enables informed decision-making, developed portfolio governance and assurance and work alongside Project Managers to improve delivery capability across the organisation. As a trusted advisor, you'll build strong relationships across Te Papa and champion continuous improvement into portfolio management practices.

Skills, experience and behaviours

We're looking for someone who brings experience in portfolio management within a complex organisation.

You'll have

• a strong understanding of portfolio governance, integrated scheduling and prioritisation
• capability in dependency management and organisational capacity planning
• the ability to translate complex information into meaningful insights for senior decision-makers
• exceptional relationship building skills that influence through credibility rather than authority
• a positive attitude that enjoys solving complex organisational challenges and is motivated by improving how organisations deliver strategic outcomes

It will also help if you have experience within the public sector, portfolio management certification or experience leading portfolio management maturity initiatives. An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Māori or a genuine commitment to developing this capability, would be highly valued.

What we offer

• A supportive, values-driven team environment
• A workplace committed to Te Tiriti
• Comprehensive benefits including onsite Kindergarten, subsidised parking, café and store discounts, and free entry to paid exhibitions

Our Enterprise Programme Management Office has recently transitioned from a PMO to an EPMO, expanding its role in supporting enterprise-wide governance support and delivery. The new position of Portfolio Manager offers a unique opportunity to help shape how portfolio management evolves across one of New Zealand's most recognised public organisations.

You'll be joining an experienced practice that is passionate about improving organisational performance while supporting the delivery of Te Papa's purpose as New Zealand's national museum.

Other Information

This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week, based at Te Papa Tongarewa, 55 Cable Street, Wellington.

For more details, please refer to the attached Position Description.

If you are viewing this advertisement on a website other than the Te Papa job board, the Position Description may not be accessible. In this case, please visit jobs.tepapa.govt.nz to view the Position Description and apply.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Pre-employment checks will be undertaken.

The starting salary will be between $111,509 to $132,417 based on skills, experience and internal relativities.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter via jobs.tepapa.govt.nz

Applications close: 9 September 2026

If you have questions, please ask

For a confidential discussion, please contact Selina Burt via Selina.Burt@tepapa.govt.nz from 1 September 2026. All enquiries received will be responded to from 1 Sep.