We are looking for someone to drive portfolio excellence, strategic governance, and informed investment decision-making across one of Southland's largest capital programmes.

Reporting to the Group Manager - Capital Portfolio, you will provide strategic leadership of Council's capital portfolio, ensuring investments are prioritised, governed, and delivered in alignment with Council's long-term objectives. Working across infrastructure and digital programmes, you will lead portfolio management practices, governance frameworks, assurance activities, and portfolio reporting to provide leaders with the insights needed to make confident investment decisions.

Leading a team of portfolio professionals, you will drive portfolio maturity, influence strategic planning and prioritisation, and strengthen governance and assurance disciplines across the organisation. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced portfolio management leader who thrives on strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and delivering organisational impact.

Key responsibilities for this role include:

• Lead and continuously improve Council's portfolio management framework
• Provide strategic oversight of portfolio performance, risks, dependencies and benefits realisation
• Guide portfolio prioritisation, sequencing and investment decision-making
• Deliver high-quality portfolio reporting, insights and assurance to executive and governance forums
• Build strong relationships with leaders and key stakeholders across Council
• Lead, coach and develop a team of portfolio and program management professionals
• Strengthen organisational portfolio maturity, governance and assurance capability
• Provide strategic advice to support informed investment and delivery decisions
• Ensure sound financial management and alignment with Council planning processes

What you will bring:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in business, engineering, project management or a related discipline
• Proven experience in portfolio, programme or project management within a complex organisational environment
• Strong expertise in portfolio governance, prioritisation, risk management and benefits realisation
• Experience providing strategic advice and assurance reporting to senior leaders and governance groups
• Advanced analytical, reporting and decision-support capabilities
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Demonstrated success leading organisational improvements and portfolio maturity initiatives
• Experience within local government or the wider public sector is advantageous
• Professional certification such as MSP, PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent is desirable

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
• Access to sick leave from day one of employment
• 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 amazing kai/kai moana. Our city has character, charm and a laidback atmosphere. There are 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?

Want to know more? View the full position description or contact Invercargill City Council at (03) 211 1777.

If this sounds like you, click Apply and follow the prompts to submit your application.

Applications close 10 September 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.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be considered, preference will be given to candidates currently residing in New Zealand.