Kev O'Reilly Programme, Project and Capability Delivery
Profile

Delivery-focused programme and project leader with more than 14 years’ experience turning strategic priorities and emerging technologies into practical operational capability. Experienced across government, industry and consultancy environments, with responsibility for programmes valued at up to $8.3 million, multidisciplinary teams, complex stakeholder networks, budgets, risk and governance. Known for sound judgement, structured planning, clear written advice and building trusted relationships that keep high-priority work moving from concept through implementation.

Core Capabilities

✓ Capability and programme planning ✓ Governance reporting and decision support

✓ End-to-end project delivery. ✓ Risk identification and practical mitigation

✓ Multidisciplinary team coordination ✓ Stakeholder engagement and influence

✓ Supplier, partner and contract management ✓ Systems thinking and continuous improvement

✓ Research, analysis and concise communication

Professional Experience

Project Manager / Principal Consultant

KO Projects
2021 – PresentNew Plymouth, New Zealand
  • •Provide consulting project and programme leadership to government, technology, industry and not-for-profit organisations, including the selected engagements below.
  • •Rapidly establish delivery plans, decision pathways, governance rhythms, budgets, risks, dependencies and accountabilities, then manage work through to completion.
  • •Build productive relationships across executives, subject-matter experts, suppliers and delivery partners, using clear advice and practical influence to resolve blockers and maintain alignment.
    • Contracted through KO Projects
    Global Market Development - Agovor Limited
    2025 – 2026New Zealand & Australia
  • •Led market development and adoption of autonomous electric equipment, building trusted relationships with hundreds of growers and industry partners across New Zealand and Australia.
  • •Quickly became a trusted adviser by understanding operational challenges, providing practical guidance and following through on commitments.
  • •Built strong industry networks that generated demonstrations, referrals, partnerships and opportunities.
  • •Translated field insights into clear product, deployment and customer success priorities.
  • •Coordinated demonstrations, trials and site assessments across multiple regions, aligning customers, technical teams, partners and commercial requirements.
    • Project Manager (Agritech) - Callaghan Innovation
    2021 – 2024Remote from New Plymouth, NZ
  • •Directed an $8.3 million industry transformation programme comprising five consultants, eight workstreams and 110 initiatives delivered over 36 months.
  • •Maintained delivery oversight through programme plans, budget control, risk management, monthly reporting, structured governance meetings and timely escalation of decisions.
  • •Planned and delivered three capability-building bootcamps, eight sector connector events and four international study programmes across Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
  • •Researched capability and service gaps across government support agencies and developed practical recommendations to improve coordination for New Zealand agritech businesses.
  • •Expanded programme reach through disciplined communications, increasing newsletter readership by 45%, a sector channel by 50%, and LinkedIn followers from zero to 1,200 in 12 months.
    • Kev O'Reilly
    Project Manager (Industry 4.0) - Callaghan Innovation
    2023 – 2024Remote from New Plymouth, NZ
  • •Led delivery of a $3.4 million transformation programme, completing 100 digital maturity assessments for New Zealand manufacturers within five months.
  • •Procured and coordinated the nationwide delivery of 50 training workshops, working across a core team, four partner agencies, suppliers and industry stakeholders.
  • •Centralised programme communications, reporting and delivery coordination to improve alignment, maintain pace and support the adoption of Industry 4.0 capabilities.
  • •Delivered under budget, enabling additional activity and improving overall programme value.

    • Project Manager – Branching Out

    Venture Taranaki
    2020 – 2021New Plymouth, New Zealand
  • •Managed an $885,000 Ministry for Primary Industries-funded programme to identify and develop diversified land-use opportunities for Taranaki.
  • •Applied a structured assessment process to more than 100 opportunities, narrowing these to 20 viable options aligned with regional conditions and commercial potential.
  • •Coordinated research with Plant & Food Research and produced an evidence-based report that informed practical development pathways for landowners.
  • •Balanced the interests of landowners, central and local government, researchers and industry to build support for new initiatives and manage delivery risk.

    • Project Manager - Fixed-term Contract

    Comvita
    2019Paengaroa, New Zealand
  • •Developed a digital database integrating spreadsheet and ERP data, supporting product development continuity and improved information management.
  • •Worked across marketing, product development and quality teams to establish requirements, coordinate delivery and maintain progress within a short engagement

    • Founder & Director

    Radar Insight
    2012 – 2020Melbourne, Australia
  • •Founded and led a consumer research consultancy serving major FMCG organisations including Schweppes, Asahi and Chobani.
  • •Managed concurrent research and product-development projects valued at $40,000-$50,000, maintaining scope, quality, timelines, budgets and client confidence.
  • •Designed a proprietary consumer preference methodology and converted complex findings into clear, commercially useful recommendations for product and marketing teams.
    • Education

    RMIT University

    Bachelor of Applied Science (Consumer Science)
    2002 – 2004Melbourne, Australia
    Additional Information
  • •Australian citizen, currently based in New Plymouth. Open to relocation and available for regular domestic and international travel.
  • •References and written testimonials available on request.
    • Kev O'Reilly