Senior Project Manager

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.  

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

ABOUT IT AT ROCKET LAB:

Rocket Lab’s IT team is responsible for how our global teams access information and run operations across our computer systems, networks, and devices. Our hardworking IT team is a group of flexible problem-solvers working in a fast-paced environment but who also thrive under the challenge of supporting all of our proprietary systems and people, from finance to launch operations. 

Ready to make your mark? We're hunting for a dynamic IT Project Manager in Auckland, New Zealand to spearhead our game-changing Payroll implementation across the region!

This isn't just another contract, it's your chance to drive real transformation in a high-impact, 12-month fixed-term role where you'll be at the center of the action.

Picture yourself leading from the front, orchestrating the complete end-to-end delivery of our strategic payroll program, plus exciting enterprise initiatives that will shape our digital landscape.

You'll be the catalyst for change, bringing together cross-functional teams, energizing stakeholders, and turning ambitious plans into impressive reality.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Implement our new payroll system (ADP) to streamline processes and improve payroll accuracy

• Develop project charters, timelines, resource plans, and risk assessments

• Deliver projects on time, on scope, and on budget

• Lead cross-functional teams to execute plans and achieve objectives

• Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement corrective actions

• Coordinate internal resources and manage external vendors

• Maintain stakeholder alignment and executive communication

• Manage scope changes using verification techniques and change control

• Track performance using PM tools (Smartsheet, MS Project, Confluence, JIRA)

• Report status regularly and escalate issues appropriately

• Drive risk management and maintain RAID logs

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 8+ years of proven project management experience, including large‑scale enterprise system implementations
• Demonstrated experience leading ADP or payroll implementations or rollouts
• Strong leadership and organizational change management experience
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (12+ years of related professional experience)

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage cross‑functional stakeholders
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to address project challenges
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• PMP or similar project management certification
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or high‑tech manufacturing environments
• Experience with enterprise project/program management
• Expertise in multiple project management methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, hybrid approaches)

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

If the above sounds like you apply now!

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.