Partners Life is one of New Zealand’s largest life and health insurance companies. As part of the Daiichi Life Group, a leading global insurance provider, we are writing our next chapter of growth and opportunity.

We know the industry needs bold thinkers and passionate people to help reshape the future of insurance, and that is exactly who we are looking for. We are committed to doing things differently, lifting industry standards, challenging the status quo, and delivering real value through innovation and personalised advice.

If you are looking to join a company that’s redefining the insurance landscape and backed by the strength of a global group, Partners Life is the place to grow your career and make a real impact.

About the opportunity

We are seeking an experienced IT Programme Manager to lead the end‑to‑end delivery of a portfolio of strategic IT programmes and projects. Reporting to the General Manager – IT Operations, you will play a critical role in driving initiatives that improve operational performance, resilience, security, and business outcomes.

This is a highly visible role, working across IT and the wider business to ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard, while embedding strong governance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement practices.

You will partner closely with Architecture, Security, Service Management, vendors, and business leaders to ensure solutions are operationally sustainable and effectively transitioned into BAU.

As an IT Programme Manager, you will:

• Lead multiple concurrent IT programmes and projects using Agile, hybrid, or waterfall delivery approaches

• Develop and maintain integrated delivery plans, governance frameworks, and RAID logs to ensure successful outcomes

• Oversee programme budgets, forecasting, and vendor/commercial management

• Establish and lead governance forums, including steering committees and reporting cadences

• Proactively manage risks, issues, and dependencies, ensuring clear mitigation strategies and escalation where required

• Ensure alignment with architecture, security, and service management standards

• Drive operational readiness, including service transition, training, and handover into IT Operations

• Foster a strong delivery culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team, building capability and delivery maturity across the function

About you

You are a seasoned IT delivery leader with a strong track record of successfully delivering complex programmes in enterprise environments. You bring a structured, commercially minded approach, combined with the ability to influence and collaborate across a broad range of stakeholders.

You are equally comfortable operating at a strategic level and rolling up your sleeves to drive delivery outcomes. Known for your ownership and accountability, you take pride in delivering high‑quality programmes that create lasting business value.

You build trusted relationships, communicate clearly, and bring a calm, solutions-focused approach to complex challenges.

Additional attributes that will support your success in this role include:

• 7–10+ years’ experience in IT delivery, including programme management across multiple workstreams

• Proven delivery of complex initiatives such as cloud migration, platform upgrades, or service transformation

• Experience in governance, risk management, and vendor/commercial negotiations

• Strong understanding of transitioning solutions into IT Operations (support models, ITIL alignment, service readiness)

• Experience working in regulated environments and/or delivering secure solutions

• Relevant certifications (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP, MSP) and familiarity with Agile delivery frameworks

• Strong influencing, communication, and stakeholder management skills

• A hands-on, accountable approach with a focus on outcomes and continuous improvement

What we offer

At Partners Life, we believe our people are our greatest asset and are proud to invest in their growth, wellbeing, and success. Here are just some of the benefits you will enjoy as part of our team (some benefits apply to permanent employees only):

• Comprehensive training and ongoing support

• Genuine career development and progression opportunities

• Participation in our discretionary bonus scheme after 12‑month service

• Life insurance and income protection covers at our cost, plus subsidised medical insurance (permanent employees only)

• Birthday leave and long service leave

• Maternity leave salary top up, reduced hours options, and secondary parental leave

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements

• Modern offices with stunning views in the heart of Takapuna

Apply now!

If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, APPLY online with your CV and cover letter (optional) highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

To be eligible to apply for this role, you must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

We are not engaging recruitment agencies for this role.