Keep complex research on track – Project Coordinator

Location: Nelson | Full-time, Permanent

Join Cawthron Institute and contribute to world-class science that protects marine and freshwater environments, drives growth in the seafood and primary industries, and strengthens coastal communities. We focus on solving today’s most urgent challenges—climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security—through transformational programmes that foster healthy ecosystems, a prosperous blue economy, and thriving people and communities.

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

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.

Why Cawthron?

Cawthron Institute is New Zealand’s largest independent science organisation, delivering innovative solutions for sustainable aquaculture, seafood safety, and environmental protection. You’ll join a supportive team that values collaboration, integrity, and impact. 

Benefits of Working at Cawthron

• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities to grow your skills and career.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives, including access to wellness programmes.
• A collaborative and inclusive culture where your contribution makes a real difference.
• The chance to work in beautiful Nelson, surrounded by stunning natural environment.

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.

The appointing range for this role will be $65,000–$80,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.

We are excited to learn about how you could bring your skills and experience to support our leadership in driving world-class science. Please note that a Cover Letter must be included for your application to be considered.

At Cawthron we are committed to upholding equitable and inclusive practices - if there are accommodations that we can provide throughout the recruitment process to assist you to put your best foot forward or feel more comfortable, please let us know.  

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.

We’re excited to hear from you. Please note that candidates must hold the legal right to work in New Zealand.