Head of Transport Ticketing and Payments

nztagovtnz; Wellington; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

5 weeks annual leave

Income Protection and Critical illness

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency | Waka Kotahi is seeking a senior leader to head the Transport Ticketing & Payments business unit within the NTS Programme. The role requires leading through change, establishing operating models, and managing multi-agency partnerships to deliver a unified ticketing solution for public transport across New Zealand.

The successful candidate will steer complex delivery, maintain KPIs, and work with PTAs, ticketing providers, and financial partners to realise the Motu Move

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a large, complex environment.
• Understanding of government processes and multi-agency decision making.
• Management of multi-function teams through design, develop and implement phases.
• Strong stakeholder relationship management and communication skills.
• Experience operating in real-time environments with tight KPIs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the TTP business unit and drive growth of the NTS Programme.
• Act as primary interface with PTAs during early development phases.
• Establish operating models and governance for the TTP service delivery.
• Guide cross-functional teams across design, development, and testing to meet milestones.

Skills

Senior leadership

Govt processes

People management

Stakeholder management

Real-time operations

Public transport knowledge

Public sector governance

Job description

Help shape the future of our National Ticketing Solution (NTS) Programme

The National Ticketing Solution (NTS) Programme is a significant programme of work in partnership with public transport organisations (PTAs) throughout New Zealand to develop Motu Move - one common payments platform and service for all public transport in the country.

Motu Move is transforming the way New Zealanders travel on public transport, on any mode, anywhere in the country, using card or smart devices, consolidated into one easy payment system. It is a critical part of achieving New Zealand ambitions for a safer, more sustainable land transport system.

Our shared services operation called Transport Ticketing & Payments (TTP) will be established as a business unit and housed within NZ Transport Agency | Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to facilitate or provide the functional requirements and capability for the successful delivery of the TTP elements of NTS. The shared services function will work in collaboration with its partners (PTAs, ticketing provider, financial service providers) to manage the operation of the ticketing services.

NZTA will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of the TTP via, contract relationships, assurance, and overseeing the running of the service, therefore ensuring the needs of stakeholders are met and outcomes are achieved.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This position has a dual purpose - to lead our TTP business unit and its development and growth as it expands towards target state through the life of the NTS Programme, and to manage the establishment of the business unit and the services it provides.

You will act as a primary interface with and advocate for, the PTAs in the first phases of development of the TTP. Critical for success in this role will be your previous experience as a senior leader, leading through change and establishing operating models, and your proven ability to lead in a challenging and complex environment.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Significant experience as a senior leader.
• An understanding of government process and decision making - particularly working in a multi-agency partnership.
• Management experience of a multi-function team through the design, develop and implementation phases, working to schedule and supporting delivery.
• Strong stakeholder relationship management, influencing and communication skills.
• Experience operating in a real time environment with accountability for tight operational KPIs and multi-party relationships.
• An understanding of the Public Transport sector within Aotearoa, including Public Transport Authorities and NZ Local Government Act.
• Ideally, you will also bring expertise as a leader in a public transport ticketing system and solution environment.
• Knowledge of best practice operational processes and functions needed to support a positive customer experience when providing public transport ticketing solutions.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.

Mō mātou |About Us

The purpose of the Te Mahau - Customer & Services group is to:

• Deliver great transactional products and services through operational excellence and a customer focus.
• Support the effective operation of the land transport system by making transactional and backend services simple, easy to use and effective for the user.
• Continue to improve the experience of people who interact with NZTA and our services and products by driving efforts to assess and elevate areas where the customer experience can be optimised to make customer interactions consistent, simple, and positive experiences.

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

• A Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible working arrangements (role dependant)
• Along with our other benefits we have 5 weeks annual leave and an Income Protection and Critical illness Insurance scheme available for all permanent employees.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

21 October 2026

For further information, email: [e-mail]

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.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.