Construction Practice Lead

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 148,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

5 weeks annual leave

Free Life, Income Protection and CICA

Job summary

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is seeking a Construction Practice Lead to champion roading construction standards across New Zealand. You will provide expert guidance, align standards with maintenance needs, and drive efficiency through collaboration across engineering, quality, and supplier teams.

In this strategic role, you will lead knowledge resources, establish a Community of Practice, and champion innovative construction techniques for nationwide infrastructure delivery.

Qualifications

• Expertise in construction practices and quality assurance within infrastructure or transport.
• Ability to translate technical standards into practical applications.
• Strong collaboration and influencing skills, with experience leading Communities of Practice.

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

Construction standards

Quality assurance

Collaboration

Influencing

Leadership

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Construction Management degree

Professional membership preferred

Job description

Construction Practice LeadWe use cookies to give you the best online experience.# Current vacancies## Construction Practice LeadApply: Auckland: Hamilton: Dunedin: Christchurch: Wellington: Full time: Posted Yesterday: End Date: November 9, 2026 (14 days left to apply): JR-0000013660* 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* Permanent position – can be based in any NZTA office location **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. **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**You’ll join a team that values wellbeing, collaboration, and courage. We offer:* A competitive salary and benefits package* Flexible working arrangements* 5 weeks annual leave* Free Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for all permanent employeesAlong with these benefits, you’ll be part of an organisation that is shaping the future of transport infrastructure in New Zealand. **Ready to take the next step in your career?** Apply today and join a team that’s going places. **Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:**Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role. **Rā Katinga | Applications close:**8 November 2026For further information, email: [e-mail] 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.Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.