Project Coordinator

Job Details

As a Project Coordinator, you’ll work closely with our science leaders, our finance colleagues and a wide range of external partners, to keep complex research programmes and consultancy work on track. You’ll provide high-level project management support for Cawthron’s SSIF platforms (Seafood Safety and Shellfish Aquaculture) and a portfolio of MBIE Endeavour multi-year research programmes, ensuring milestones, budgets, and contracts run smoothly. You’ll be involved in a variety of other projects too, from progressing bids and proposals to contracting and subcontracting. You will be part of a small, dynamic team at the core of Cawthron’s project operations, with a wide remit and a supportive attitude.

This role will be based across Cawthron’s Halifax Street site in Nelson and the Aquaculture Park in Glenduan.

What you’ll do

• Work alongside our science teams to coordinate and monitor major research projects, ensuring timelines and deliverables are achieved.
• Provide financial oversight, quarterly reporting, and assist with budgeting.
• Manage contracts and subcontractor relationships, ensuring compliance and timely renewals.
• Support proposal and tender preparation for new research and commercial opportunities. Organise and minute project meetings, following up on actions and supporting governance processes

Requirements

What you’ll bring

• A tertiary qualification and/or at least 5 years’ experience in project management, contract administration, or project accounting.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with project management tools (BST experience is an advantage), along with solid MS Office skills.
• Exceptional organisational skills, including scheduling and facilitating meetings effectively, with keen attention to detail.
• A collaborative approach with outstanding communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing requirements, and ensure compliance with project governance and reporting standards.
• Proactive problem-solving and a professional manner when working with clients and partners.

Contact Information

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If you have any questions pertaining to the role, please email our Recruitment Team at recruitment@cawthron.org.nz.  Click here to review the Role Description: Project Coordinator RD Dec2025 (available via our careers page).   

Applications close on Wednesday 31 December 2025 at 5:00pm. Interviews are planned to start after the Christmas break, in the second week of January.

How to apply

Please include a Cover Letter in your application showing why you think you are the best fit for the role and address the following within it:

• Outline your experience in coordinating complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Describe your experience with project financial processes such as budgeting, tracking, or reporting.   
• Please confirm your current work eligibility for New Zealand.