Below is a brief description of this vacancy

This page outlines the vacancy and the key skills and responsibilities for the role.



Operational Projects Manager

Two-Year Fixed-Term – Full-Time

Invercargill, New Zealand

Reference: 6897188

Are you ready to be a part of something exceptional? Invercargill City Council invites you to become a driving force in our future-focused team. With a vibrant atmosphere and an unwavering commitment to our values—positivity, respect, responsibility, and above and beyond—we're passionate about creating a team full of outstanding individuals who are as passionate about shaping the future as we are.

Our friendly WasteNet team are seeking an Operational Projects Manager on a two-year fixed-term contract to lead the planning, delivery and reporting of key waste management projects across the Southland region. The hours of work for this position are 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Key responsibilities for this role include:

  • Planning and delivering waste management and minimisation projects aligned to WasteNet's strategic goals.
  • Managing project scope, timelines, budgets, risks and resources to ensure successful outcomes.
  • Working collaboratively with internal teams, external stakeholders and community partners.
  • Analysing data, tracking KPIs and producing clear, insightful project and governance reports.
  • Supporting financial processes including forecasting, cost tracking and invoice management.
  • Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, environmental standards and organisational policies.
  • Contributing to continuous improvement, quality assurance and risk management practices.

What you will bring:

  • A relevant tertiary qualification in business, management, finance or a related field.
  • At least five years' experience in project or programme management, ideally in waste, environmental or infrastructure sectors.
  • Proven ability to successfully deliver complex projects on time and within budget.
  • Strong financial acumen and experience supporting project cost management.
  • Excellent communication, relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capability.
  • A proactive, organised approach with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

What we offer:

  • Career progression and training/development opportunities
  • Positive focus of employee health and well-being: Workstation assessments, free flu vaccines, EAP services, 50% off eye exams, discounted gym memberships etc
  • Kiwisaver and Superannuation Schemes
  • Appointment time leave: Up to 2 hours for important appointments eg. Doctor, bank, dentist

Waihōpai Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the heart and hub of Southland. We're known for our lush green spaces, like award-winning Queens Park, our long summer daylight hours and our local legend Burt Munro. Our city has character, charm and a laidback atmosphere. There's outstanding nature reserves, Ōreti Beach and the Waihōpai River to explore plus our lively restaurants complemented by a thriving entertainment and arts scene which are hard to beat! The sensible gridded layout featuring wide streets ensures a convenient 10-minute drive to work. Who wouldn't want to call this place home?

For more information please see the full position description or contact the Invercargill City Council on (03) 211 1777. Please don't apply directly via SEEK as we won't receive your application. Apply online at Jobs - Invercargill City Council

Applications close Friday, 12 June 2026. Please note applications will be processed as they are received and we encourage you to apply early as this advert may be removed at any time.

Successful applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be reviewed, first priority will be given to those applicants who are currently residing in New Zealand.


Applications Close: 12 Jun 2026