Lead, Communications & Engagement for Transport Programs

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks annual leave

Life Insurance

Income protection

Critical illness insurance

Flexible working

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) in Auckland/Northland is seeking a Team Lead, Communications & Engagement to guide a high‑performing team, shape transport storytelling and support major programmes. You’ll remain hands‑on while leading workload planning, building capability and ensuring high‑quality outputs.

Working with diverse stakeholders across government, councils, communities and iwi, you’ll strengthen NZTA’s relationships and reputation, foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture,

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading communications and/or stakeholder engagement strategy and delivery.
• Proven people leadership capability, including coaching and mentoring.
• Experience managing competing priorities and complex workloads in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and provide trusted advice to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working across large-scale infrastructure, government, public sector or complex programme environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead workload planning and build team capability.
• Provide strategic communications and engagement advice across regional programmes and projects.
• Mentor and develop high-performing team members.
• Deliver high-quality outputs across key regional programmes and projects.
• Act as trusted advisor to senior leaders and project teams across the region.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, communities, councils, government agencies and iwi partners.

Skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic communications

Mentoring

People management

Education

IAP2 certification

Tools

IAP2 certification

Job description

NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) in Auckland/Northland is seeking a Team Lead, Communications & Engagement to guide a high‑performing team, shape transport storytelling and support major programmes. You’ll remain hands‑on while leading workload planning, building capability and ensuring high‑quality outputs.

Working with diverse stakeholders across government, councils, communities and iwi, you’ll strengthen NZTA’s relationships and reputation, foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture,