I am a strategic ICT and delivery leader with 15+ years of experience driving complex, multisystem transformations across banking, corporate, and public sector environments in New Zealand. I specialize in hybrid-agile planning, governance, and risk-aware delivery, orchestrating large distributed teams and high-risk portfolios while restoring delivery confidence. I am passionate about technology that serves people and communities, with a strong commitment to equity and ethical, purpose-driven transformation. I value transparency, collaboration, and cultural awareness to enable cross-agency alignment in regulatory, cultural, and operationally complex settings.

Chris Counsell

I am a strategic ICT and delivery leader with 15+ years of experience driving complex, multisystem transformations across banking, corporate, and public sector environments in New Zealand. I specialize in hybrid-agile planning, governance, and risk-aware delivery, orchestrating large distributed teams and high-risk portfolios while restoring delivery confidence. I am passionate about technology that serves people and communities, with a strong commitment to equity and ethical, purpose-driven transformation. I value transparency, collaboration, and cultural awareness to enable cross-agency alignment in regulatory, cultural, and operationally complex settings.

Available to hire

I am a strategic ICT and delivery leader with 15+ years of experience driving complex, multisystem transformations across banking, corporate, and public sector environments in New Zealand. I specialize in hybrid-agile planning, governance, and risk-aware delivery, orchestrating large distributed teams and high-risk portfolios while restoring delivery confidence. I am passionate about technology that serves people and communities, with a strong commitment to equity and ethical, purpose-driven transformation. I value transparency, collaboration, and cultural awareness to enable cross-agency alignment in regulatory, cultural, and operationally complex settings.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent
French
Advanced
Spanish; Castilian
Beginner

Work Experience

Delivery Lead (Digital) at BLUECURRENT
June 1, 2024 - May 1, 2025
Directed enterprise-wide systems integration and modernization projects, achieving 100% separation from legacy systems by the EOFY deadline. Led cross-functional stakeholder engagement across business units, vendors, and executive leadership; facilitated workshops to drive consensus on vendor selection. Delivered Cyber Security updates, redeveloped APIs, and updated authentication to digital workspace and mobile applications. Delivered a new Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) system, eliminating dependency on outdated infrastructure and enhancing operational efficiency. Oversaw RFP and vendor selection, project timelines, and sprint plans using Agile tools, ensuring timely launches and effective risk mitigation. Coordinated with technical and non-technical stakeholders to monitor dependencies and unblock issues, maintaining clear communication and ownership throughout the project lifecycle.
Senior Project Manager (Technology) at ANZ
October 1, 2021 - March 1, 2024
Led Agile delivery of the vendor SaaS GoBiz NZ web application, automating financial information collection via APIs from ASPs for credit origination/applications. Managed change management and release implementation for major product launches, ensuring smooth handover to BAU teams and alignment with business priorities. Oversaw financial forecasting, governance, and security protocols, optimizing resources to meet deadlines. Planned API governance processes and positioned as an enabler for SAFe squads, managing internal/external dependencies and stakeholder relationships with Jira/Confluence dashboards to track progress.
Senior Project Manager at DXC.TECHNOLOGY
August 1, 2019 - October 1, 2021
Led Agile transformation and delivery of multiple projects for a public sector client, increasing team velocity through DevOps practices and cross-functional planning. Managed development of the Immigration Application Management System (AMS), APIs, and infrastructure, ensuring timely launches and stakeholder alignment. Drove transition to Agile DevOps, facilitated ceremonies, and used Azure DevOps to monitor dependencies and unblock progress. Oversaw governance, financial management, and resource allocation, prioritizing deliverables and communicating clearly in ambiguous environments.
Technical Project Manager at ROLLS-ROYCE DIGITAL
June 1, 2015 - August 1, 2019
Managed multiple concurrent implementation and upgrade projects for international aviation clients, delivering on time and within budget through detailed task breakdowns and sprint planning. Led end-to-end Agile project management for the Safety & Risk Management System, including web, API, and mobile deployments. Conducted process analysis workshops, collaborated with cross-functional teams, and delivered enhancements and bug fixes. Oversaw user training and resource management to support long-term scalability.
IT Delivery Lead (contract) at INLAND REVENUE
February 1, 2013 - May 1, 2015
Led technical delivery of IT projects using Agile and Prince2 methodologies, coordinating multiple workstreams and cross-functional teams to implement integrated applications and virtual infrastructure. Managed security and risk processes, identified dependencies, and ensured successful delivery. Oversaw vendor management and business services improvements, facilitating communications between technical and non-technical stakeholders. Coordinated change and release processes to optimize resources and align projects with organizational goals.
Technology Project Manager (IT Risk) at ANZ
August 1, 2011 - December 31, 2012
Managed IT risk-focused projects, leading cross-functional teams and coordinating risk & compliance activities. Worked with senior stakeholders to deliver remediation and governance improvements while aligning with business objectives.
Technical Project Manager (ETP) at HNZC
October 1, 2010 - August 31, 2011
Managed the Enterprise Transformation Project ETP workstream, planning and implementing new IT infrastructure to support organizational growth. Documented operational handover and collaborated with stakeholders to ensure smooth transitions and governance.
Release & Environment Manager at EDS/HP ENTERPRISE SERVICES
February 1, 2008 - November 30, 2010
Managed multiple concurrent project work streams through SDLC phases, overseeing integrated test environments and release processes. Implemented process improvements to increase efficiency and worked in ambiguous environments to create clarity and align with business objectives.
Operational Delivery Manager at GEN-I
May 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007
Led daily operational delivery for a major public sector client, managing a team of support analysts, coordinating cross-functional workstreams, and ensuring alignment with service goals and SLAs. Managed incidents, changes, and releases with a focus on timely resolution and stakeholder satisfaction.
Server/Network Support Engineer at CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY LONDON
December 1, 2004 - May 31, 2007
Provided 2nd/3rd line support for 100+ users, administered LAN/WAN infrastructure, and supported server builds. Developed a web-based Risk Assessment system to improve project management efficiency and supported backups and VPN configurations.
Server/Network Support Engineer at VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS
September 1, 2004 - December 31, 2004
Provided 1st/2nd line network support for 250+ users across multiple sites, coordinating with cross-functional teams to maintain system performance and align support with business goals.
Change Coordinator at THALES INFORMATION SYSTEMS
June 1, 2004 - September 30, 2004
Managed change requests for client contracts, implemented LAN/WIFI/VPN infrastructure, and coordinated task breakdowns and timelines to deliver on schedule.
Desktop Support Analyst at BODY SHOP INTERNATIONAL
March 1, 2004 - June 30, 2004
Provided 1st/2nd line support to 600+ users, designed and implemented a web-based intranet Asset Management System, and coordinated multiple workstreams to deliver value.
Network Support Analyst at S.C.C. @ AMERICAN EXPRESS
March 1, 2002 - March 31, 2004
Provided 1st/2nd line support to 50+ offices, developed documentation and processes to improve service delivery, and managed stakeholder communications.
Senior Hardware Engineer at SERVICE TEC, Brighton & Hove Council
September 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
Provided hardware engineering support, coordinated with teams to resolve issues, and contributed to project delivery in a public-sector environment.
Field Service Engineer at VISTA RETAIL SUPPORT
September 1, 2000 - August 31, 2001
Performed fault resolution and repairs of Windows workstations/servers, configured networks, and supported stakeholder needs in a fast-paced environment.
Project Manager at CASELLA HAZMAT
May 1, 1998 - August 31, 2000
Managed daily operations and multi-workstream projects, coordinating with clients and contractors to plan and scope initiatives and drive delivery.

Education

BSc (Hons.): Environmental Science at University of Westminster, London, UK
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1993

Qualifications

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certificate
September 1, 2024 - January 25, 2026
Professional Agile Leadership I (PAL I)
June 1, 2024 - January 25, 2026
ICAgile Certified Professional – Agile Project and Delivery Management
December 1, 2021 - January 25, 2026
Professional Scrum Master I
May 1, 2021 - January 25, 2026
Prince2 Foundation
April 1, 2015 - January 25, 2026
PMI - Certified Associate in Project Management
May 1, 2008 - January 25, 2026
Windows 2000 MCSE
September 1, 2004 - January 25, 2026
CompTIA A+
May 1, 2002 - January 25, 2026
MCP – NT Workstation
November 1, 2000 - January 25, 2026

Industry Experience

Financial Services, Government, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet

Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate

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