Executive Leader, Transport Infrastructure

Auckland Council; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 250,000 - 380,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working conditions

Well-being focus

Job summary

Auckland Council is seeking a General Manager Transport Infrastructure to lead the design, planning, delivery and performance of the region's transport infrastructure portfolio. You will translate government direction into executable plans and lead multidisciplinary teams across rail, road, cycling and urban design.

The role demands long-term strategic thinking, strong governance, and proven capability in delivering large-scale capital programmes with safety and value.

Qualifications

• 15 years' experience in infrastructure planning and major capital programmes within complex transport environments.
• 10 years' experience in senior leadership roles leading multidisciplinary teams and influencing executive-level decision-making.
• Experience in capital programme planning, prioritisation, and optimisation across large, multi-year portfolios.
• Strong understanding of the New Zealand transport sector, funding frameworks, and infrastructure investment system.
• Proven experience across public and private sectors with strong commercial and market awareness.
• Deep familiarity with central and local government processes, legislation and assurance requirements.
• History of building cohesive, high-performing teams and enabling collaboration across organisational boundaries.
• Strategic thinker with advanced problem-solving and analytical skills, able to lead organisational transformation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transport infrastructure portfolio in alignment with strategy, policy, and regional priorities.
• Convert long-term strategies into prioritised programmes and delivery roadmaps.
• Oversee delivery of significant capital programmes within scope, budget and timeframes.
• Accountable for the end-to-end integrated delivery system across planning, investment, and execution.
• Lead road assets management, maintenance contracts, and renewals for safety and value for money.
• Provide leadership oversight of rail and rapid transit infrastructure programmes and assets.
• Oversee consent planning, designation management, and regulatory approvals for timely delivery.
• Lead relationships with development partners, alliances, joint ventures and delivery partners.
• Set transport and urban design standards supporting safety, accessibility, and urban outcomes.
• Champion low carbon, environmental and climate transition initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Project management

Stakeholder management

Commercial awareness

Analytical skills

Job description

Auckland Council is seeking a General Manager Transport Infrastructure to lead the design, planning, delivery and performance of the region's transport infrastructure portfolio. You will translate government direction into executable plans and lead multidisciplinary teams across rail, road, cycling and urban design.

The role demands long-term strategic thinking, strong governance, and proven capability in delivering large-scale capital programmes with safety and value.