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Kev O'Reilly Project Manager
Profile

Highly regarded Project Manager with great communication and team building skills. Repeatedly guided projects to success, balancing the big picture with the finer details. Uses a flexible approach and clear communication to delivery against milestones, remain within budget, and ensures a bit of fun along the way.

Professional Experience

Project Manager

KO Projects
07/2022 – PresentNew Plymouth, New Zealand

Providing Project Management as a Service to help organisations deliver important work. Frequently involved in projects where hiring a full-time project manager is not feasible.

Whether launching new initiatives, fixing stuck projects, or coordinating multiple partners, KO Projects brings focus, structure, and calm to complex work.

Trusted across government, industry, and the not-for-profit sector:

  • •Tailored project support, when and where it’s needed
  • •People-first approach that builds trust and momentum
  • •Hands-on delivery with clear communication
  • •Track record of delivering high-stakes programmes with confidence

    • Project Manager - Agritech Industry Transformation

    Callaghan Innovation
    2021 – 2024Remote from New Plymouth, NZ

  • •Directed a $8.3M agritech transformation plan, overseeing a team of 5 consultants, 8 workstreams and delivering 110 individual initiatives in 36 months.
  • •Created opportunities for New Zealand's agritech companies to expand and export by running 3 capability building bootcamps, 8 sector-specific connector events and leading 4 small-group trips to visit innovative farmers and growers in Australia, Ireland, the UK & the U.S.
  • •Conducted research to identify and address support gaps between the government agencies that agritech companies depend on, and identify strategies to bridge these gaps effectively.
  • •Ensured monitoring and timely achievement of project milestones by maintaining strict budget control, practical risk mitiagtion, preparation of monthly reports and hosting agenda driven team meetings.
  • •Increased agritech audience across three communication channels in 12 months (Agritech Newsletter ⬆️ 45%, Global Signals Channel up ⬆️ 50% and LinkedIn ⬆️ from 0 to 1200 followers), using relevant, consistent and systematic messaging with high quality to drive organic growth.

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    "Kevin is a super motivated, organised, versatile and action oriented project manager... his skill set ranges from financial, legal, digital, people and event management"

    - Simon Yarrow, Agritech Group Manager

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    Kev O'Reilly

    Project Manager - Industry 4.0 Transformation

    Callaghan Innovation
    2023 – 2024Remote from New Plymouth, NZ
  • •Spearheaded the rollout of a $3.4M industry transformation plan, monitoring and delivering 100 Digital Maturity assessment for New Zealand-based manufacturing companies within a five month window.
  • •Procured and oversaw the nationwide delivery of 50 training workshops aimed at educating and inspiring NZ manufacturers to adopt Industry 4.0 solutions.
  • •Led a core team of 3 and coordinated with 4 key agencies, centralising marketing and communications efforts to ensure cohesive execution and alignment with strategic goals.
  • •Achieved project underspend, enabling additional promotional activities in FY25, and maximised return on investment through effective cross-promotion of events.
  • •Enhanced stakeholder collaboration, working closely with government bodies, industry representatives, and delivery agencies to maintain momentum towards Industry 4.0 adoption.

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    "Kevin is an exceptional project manager... his proactive approach and attention to detail were immediately apparent. Kevin was a key part of the success of the program."

    - Sean Doherty, Product Manager - Industry 4.0

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    Project Manager – Branching Out

    Venture Taranaki
    2020 – 2021New Plymouth, New Zealand
  • •Steered a $885,000 MPI-funded project to explore and develop diversified land-use opportunities in Taranaki.
  • •Systematically evaluated over 100 potential land-use ideas, narrowing down to 20 viable options that aligned with Taranaki’s regional strengths and future potential.
  • •Produced a comprehensive land usage report in collaboration with Plant & Food Research, the basis for future, actionable blueprints for local landowners.
  • •Ran 2 grower information days to educate landowners to the opportunities and risks of starting Avocado and Kiwifruit growing initiatives in the region.
  • •Enabled a new commercial Avocado orchard in Taranaki, and supported the production of a fresh hop beer by a local brewer, using hops cultivated through the project’s initiatives.
  • •Navigated complex stakeholder relationships by balancing the interests of landowners, government, and industry, overcoming challenges and securing buy-in for new land-use ventures.

    • Project Manager – 3-month contract

    Comvita
    2019 – 2019 | Paengaroa, New Zealand
  • •Developed digital database that integrated data from spreadsheets and ERP systems.
  • •Facilitated product development and optimisation initiatives ensuring project continuity.
  • •Collaborated quickly and closely with marketing and quality control teams.

    • Founder & Director

    Radar Insight
    2012 – 2020 | Melbourne, Australia
  • •Founded and led Radar Insight, a research agency in Melbourne, delivering consumer insights to top FMCG brands such as Schweppes, Asahi, and Chobani.
  • •Managed project budgets of $40-50,000, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget.
  • •Developed an innovative consumer preference technique, to identify ideal product attributes.
  • •Executed rapid, high-quality market research with product developers for marketing teams.
  • •Provided specialised consultancy on recipe system management software.
    • Education

    RMIT University

    Bachelor of Applied Science (Consumer Science)
    2002 – 2004 | Melbourne, Australia
    Kev O'Reilly
    References
    Andrew Bonica, Programme Manager Technology and Innovation, MBIE
    Sean Doherty, Product Manager Industry 4.0, Callaghan Innovation
    Additional references available upon request.
    Kev O'Reilly