Associate- Project Controls- Risk

Frequency is a New Zealand owned and operated specialist project management and advisory consultancy that’s been working to optimise Kiwi infrastructure for the last 14 years.  At frequency we work closely in partnership with every client, providing access to experienced, senior people from day one. Our experience extends across multiple sectors, including Education, Transport, Health, Water, Airports and Ports. We strongly believe it’s our job to share our real-world knowledge, leaving our clients better placed to navigate New Zealand’s complex project pathways.

We’re on the look-out for an experienced and proficient Project Controls Professional, to join our team of 25+ experts in Auckland. You’ll work alongside experienced practitioners on exciting projects, contribute across different sectors, and grow both your technical depth and consulting capability.

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly capable and motivated professional to join our Project Controls team. The role will primarily provide cost and risk management expertise to public sector clients across the transport, water, and health sectors, supporting the successful delivery of complex infrastructure programmes and projects, but you may also support procurement and broader project management tasks as needed.

The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the infrastructure / engineering / construction environments, with exposure to public sector organisations. Excellent communication skills and a strong understanding of infrastructure project lifecycles is required, along with some experience and/or an interest in project cost and risk management. We will provide training to the right candidate.

This is a client-facing role that may involve working from client offices on a regular basis. You will be a trusted advisor, contributing to strategic decision-making, frameworks, and implementation of effective project controls tools and processes.

 Key responsibilities

• Lead or support project control activities (such as risk and cost management) across infrastructure projects and programmes.


• Develop and implement project control tools, tailored to client needs and project stage.


• Facilitate workshops with project stakeholders and senior leaders.


• Provide insightful project controls reporting, analysis and recommendations to aid decision-making.


• Engage with project managers, subject matter experts and support function leads to align project control activities with broader project delivery goals.


• Build strong relationships with public sector clients and represent the company professionally.


• Assists in providing appropriate leadership to Project Teams through clear direction, strong verbal and written communication, chairing and minuting regular team meetings, encouraging and supporting the team to achieve deliverables.

• Thinks ahead and plans for the future success of their project.


• Proactively manages the client expectations and relationship.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in infrastructure / engineering / construction environments, with exposure to public sector organisations.


• Proven ability to manage project risks throughout the infrastructure lifecycle, from planning and design through to delivery and closeout.


• Familiarity with project control tools and methodologies including risk registers, cost tracking sheets, workshops, and integrated project controls.


• Excellent verbal, communication, stakeholder engagement and interpersonal skills – comfortable, confident and credible in client-facing scenarios and leading meetings. This is not a role for someone who wants to be in the background.


• High attention to detail and a proactive, organised approach to work.


• Demonstrated experience working within or alongside project controls, procurement, and governance functions is an advantage.


• Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Project Management, Risk, Construction Management, or related field is desirable.

• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., PMI-RMP, APM, PRINCE2, ISO 31000, MSP) are advantageous.

Why Frequency?

How we work:

We’re office‑first because in‑person collaboration strengthens relationships, expedites solutions, and speeds up learning. Flexibility is supported when needed, with hands‑on coaching and exposure across sectors.

We work in a mixed manner between our office and the client/project office to be close to the action.

What you’ll get:

• Exposure to a variety of the most exciting projects in NZ


• A sense of belonging in a supportive and highly experienced, like‑minded team that truly understands the value of project controls


• Five weeks’ annual leave


• 4.5% employer KiwiSaver contribution


• Wellbeing benefit


• Learning and development support including forums, training budgets, and professional memberships


• Enhanced Parental Leave for primary carers and partners


• Access to EAP services

How to Apply

If you’re ready to contribute your skills and experience to impactful public sector infrastructure programmes, and thrive in a collaborative and professional environment, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

We’re not partnering with recruitment agencies for this role at present; to be considered, please apply directly—we’d love to hear from you!

Eligibility:

To apply for this vacancy, you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa. For any questions about this role, please contact us at [email protected].