Executive General Manager, Optimisation & Technology

Auckland Transport; Auckland; On-site; NZD 200,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Auckland Transport seeks an Executive General Manager, Optimisation & Technology, to lead a broad portfolio spanning technology strategy, digital transformation, data analytics, cybersecurity and enterprise optimisation across the organisation.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will shape the future of public transport, influence senior stakeholders and build high-performing teams, delivering measurable improvements in customer outcomes and operational performance.

Qualifications

• Accomplished executive with a track record leading large technology, digital, optimisation or operational performance functions within complex organisations.
• Ability to connect business strategy with technology outcomes and drive enterprise-wide change.
• Experience delivering major programmes and transformation initiatives with executive influence.

Responsibilities

• Lead technology strategy, digital transformation, operational excellence and enterprise platforms.
• Drive innovation, modernisation, data-driven insights and cybersecurity across critical transport systems.
• Influence Auckland Transport's Executive Leadership Team and collaborate with councils and national partners.
• Deliver measurable improvements in customer experiences and operational performance.
• Build high-performing teams and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Auckland Transport – Auckland, North Island

• Lead one of New Zealand’s most critical technology and optimisation portfolios
• Bring strategic vision, strong people leadership and executive influence to drive performance, innovation and customer outcomes across AT
• Influence the future of transport in Auckland

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of New Zealand's most critical technology, optimisation and customer enablement portfolios at a time of significant transformation. As Executive General Manager, Optimisation & Technology, you will report directly to the Chief Executive and play a pivotal role on Auckland Transport's Executive Leadership Team, shaping the systems, services and insights that underpin the future of public transport across Auckland.

You will lead a broad and influential portfolio spanning technology strategy, digital transformation, operational excellence, customer and operational technology platforms, data, analytics, AI, cybersecurity and enterprise optimisation. Responsible for driving innovation and modernisation across critical transport systems, you will leverage data and insight to improve customer experiences, enhance operational performance, strengthen resilience and deliver measurable business value.

As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will build high-performing teams, foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaborate with senior stakeholders across Auckland Transport, Auckland Council and national partners to shape the future of public transport in New Zealand.

Far more than a traditional technology leadership role, this position sits at the intersection of customer experience, technology, data and operational performance. You will lead Auckland Transport's technology contribution to nationally significant programmes, including the National Ticketing Solution, while ensuring critical transport systems remain secure, resilient and future-ready for the millions of journeys they support every year.

Nā tāu rourou | What will you bring?

You are an accomplished executive with a track record of leading large-scale technology, digital, optimisation or operational performance functions within complex organisations.

You bring:

• Executive-level leadership experience across technology, digital transformation, operational excellence or data-driven environments.
• Deep knowledge of modern technology platforms, enterprise systems, integration architecture, service management and technology delivery.
• Exceptional ability to connect business strategy with technology outcomes.
• Proven success leading large programmes, transformation initiatives and enterprise-wide change.
• Strong commercial capability, including vendor management, service provider governance and investment prioritisation.
• Experience operating in highly complex stakeholder environments where influence and collaboration are critical.
• A reputation for building high-performing teams, empowering leaders and driving sustainable organisational improvement.
• The ability to simplify complexity, make sound decisions and deliver results in dynamic and evolving environments.

At Auckland Transport, people are at the heart of everything we do. We're proud to foster a workplace where inclusion isn't just encouraged—it's embedded in our culture. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, valued, and supported. Our values guide how we work and connect: Manaakitanga - we care deeply for our communities; Tiakitanga - we prioritise safety in every journey; Whanaungatanga - we build strong relationships; and Auahatanga - we strive to be better, bolder, together.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a high-performing Executive Team and work alongside senior leaders who are shaping the future of transport in Tāmaki Makaurau.

We tiaki all those who use transport in Tāmaki Makaurau.