Principal Project Manager – Exhibitions

Full job description
Posted: 05/08/2025
Closing Date: 11/08/2025
Job Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Auckland
Job Category: Program Project Management
Tāmaki Paenga Hira: Tui tui hono tangata, whenua me te moana.

Auckland War Memorial Museum: Connecting through sharing stories of people, lands and seas

Auckland Museum is a much-loved culture and heritage organisation at the heart of Auckland's identity, committed to outstanding management of its world-class collections, developing and sharing engaging content through its galleries, exhibition, events, educational programmes and the permanent and volunteer staff who tell the Museum's stories. We are Auckland's home of commemoration as well as the country’s oldest research institution and a major tourist destination.


Job Description
Mō te tūranga | About the role
We are seeking an experienced Principal Project Manager - Exhibitions to lead the delivery of our Exhibitions programme. This is a pivotal leadership role within the Exhibitions team, part of the Audience Engagement directorate, and is based on-site in Auckland. As our Principal Project Manager, you will:

bring specialist knowledge and leadership to ensure our exhibitions align with the Museum’s strategic direction and values;
manage complex projects, mentor a team of Project Managers, and drive best practice in exhibition project management across the organisation;
work closely with the Head of Exhibitions and key stakeholders to deliver high-quality, impactful exhibitions that engage diverse audiences.
Key Responsibilities:

Lead and deliver complex exhibition projects on time, on budget, and to a high standard.
Provide exemplary leadership and mentoring to the Exhibition Project Management team consisting of three direct reports.
Develop and implement best practice project management processes and tools.
Contribute to strategic planning and business case development for the Exhibitions programme.
Manage stakeholder relationships and collaborative projects with internal teams and external partners.
Uphold the principles of He Korahi Māori and Teu Le Vā in all aspects of your work.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues contributing to exhibition development and delivery.
Manage complex relationships with external consultants, suppliers, contractors, and stakeholder communities, including those unfamiliar with museum environments.
Ensure inclusive and professional engagement across all project teams.
Desired Skills and Experience
Ō pūmanawa | What you will bring

Minimum five years’ experience in complex exhibition project management, with a proven record of leading teams and delivering collaborative projects.
Strong knowledge of implementing project management methodologies (e.g. hybrid Agile and Waterfall), budgeting, procurement, and contract management.
Excellent communication, planning, and organisational skills, with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and project management tools.
Passion for dynamic museums, cross-functional teamwork, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Flexible work arrangements to enhance your work and home life.
Availability to purchase additional annual leave
An award-winning wellbeing programme including free membership with the Boost app and Myeveryday wellbeing.
An active social club which is part of the fabric of Museum life
Life insurance from your first day and discounted Health Insurance
Free museum membership and other staff discounts
Discounted onsite parking
Accredited by Rainbow Tick
Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

Tono mai i tēnei rā! | Apply today!

Closing Date: Monday, 11 August 2025.

You must be eligible to work in New Zealand to apply for this position. Please view the position description here.

Auckland Museum offers a rich and fulfilling work life where we embrace diversity and nurture our bicultural capability as demonstrated in our Teu le Va and He Korahi Maori strategies. We also offer a range of great benefits such as flexible work and leave, and an award-winning wellbeing programme.

This is a great opportunity for someone looking to be part of a fabulous New Zealand organisation committed to telling our national and Auckland stories, reflecting our unique place in the South Pacific.

He Oranga Tangata ka ao
Enriching lives. Inspiring discoveries

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