Construction Practice Lead

New Zealand Transport Agency; Auckland; On-site; NZD 148,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

5 weeks annual leave

Life, income protection & critical Ill

Job summary

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is seeking a roading Construction Practice Lead to act as the go-to expert on construction standards and practices. You will provide technical guidance, align standards across teams, and drive initiatives that enhance quality and efficiency across New Zealand.

This permanent role offers a strategic platform to influence nationwide infrastructure delivery, with salary from NZD 148,000 to NZD 180,000 commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Expertise in construction practices and quality assurance within infrastructure or transport.
• Ability to translate technical standards into practical applications.
• Strong collaboration and ability to lead Communities of Practice.
• Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on roading construction standards to ensure compliance and consistency.
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to align standards with maintenance requirements and improve efficiency.
• Develop and maintain knowledge resources for best practice construction methods.
• Establish and lead a Community of Practice to share knowledge and drive improvement.
• Partner with suppliers and contract managers to implement innovative techniques.
• Research emerging technologies and recommend improvements for roading infrastructure outcomes.

Skills

Expertise in roading construction

Quality assurance in infrastructure

Collaboration and influencing

Translate technical standards

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Job description

Champion excellence in construction standards and shape best practice across NZ’s transport network.

Drive innovation and collaboration and foster a Community of Practice. Influence outcomes nationwide to ensure consistent, high-quality infrastructure delivery.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As our roading Construction Practice Lead, you’ll be the go‑to expert for roading construction standards and practices. You’ll provide technical advice, align standards across teams, and lead initiatives that improve quality and efficiency. This is a strategic role where you’ll collaborate widely, influence decisions, and help shape the future of roading infrastructure delivery in New Zealand. Permanent position – can be based in any NZTA office location.

What you’ll do day‑to‑day

• Provide expert advice on roading construction standards to ensure compliance and consistency.
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to align standards with maintenance requirements and improve efficiency.
• Develop and maintain knowledge resources for best practice construction methods.
• Establish and lead a Community of Practice to share knowledge and drive improvement.
• Partner with suppliers and contract managers to implement innovative techniques.
• Research emerging technologies and recommend improvements for roading infrastructure outcomes.

View the Position Description.

Appointment salary is expected from $148,000 to $180,000, commensurate with skills and experience.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You’re an experienced construction professional with deep technical knowledge and a passion for quality.

You bring:

• Expertise in construction practices and quality assurance within infrastructure or transport.
• Proven ability to translate technical standards into practical applications.
• Strong collaboration and influencing skills, with experience leading Communities of Practice.
• A degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline (professional membership preferred).

Mō mātou | About Us

Our Business & Commercial Excellence team enable strong, value-for-money delivery across Asset & Operations by providing clear commercial frameworks, robust performance insight, and disciplined programme and supplier governance. The team supports leaders to make informed, system-level decisions by embedding consistent commercial practice, transparent reporting, and continuous improvement across contracts, programmes, and investments, while strengthening sector capability and long-term resilience.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Flexible working arrangements
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Free Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for all permanent employees

Along with these benefits, you’ll be part of an organisation that is shaping the future of transport infrastructure in New Zealand.

Applications close: 8 November 2026

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Ko wai mātou | About us

At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. Waka Kotahi has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years time.