Manager Transport and Solid Waste Operations

Nelson City Council; Nelson; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing leave and health insurance

Hybrid working arrangements

Generous leave provisions

Learning and professional development

Employee benefits and discounts

Opportunities to contribute to meaning

Job summary

Nelson City Council is seeking a senior leader to drive the delivery of essential transport and solid waste services that shape Nelson’s future and improve community wellbeing. You will lead a high-performing team, ensure safe, efficient, customer-focused service delivery, and maximise value-for-money through robust contract management and data-driven decision making.

You will bring a strong operational background in transport/infrastructure or solid waste, plus financial acumen and excellent

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in civil engineering or related discipline.
• Proven experience leading high-performing teams and creating a culture of accountability, growth and collaboration.
• Strong operational leadership experience delivering transport, infrastructure or solid waste services in a complex environment.
• Track record of achieving value-for-money outcomes through effective contract, supplier and performance management.
• Sound knowledge of transport and solid waste asset lifecycle management, including planning for future service needs.
• Strong financial management skills and the ability to balance operational priorities, affordability and community expectations.
• Excellent communication skills, including experience preparing reports and presenting information to senior decision-makers.
• Ability to build productive relationships with iwi, contractors, community groups, elected members and other stakeholders.
• Commitment to customer-focused service delivery, innovation and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational roading, public transport and solid waste service delivery.
• Drive supplier, contract and performance management to maximise value-for-money, manage risk and achieve service objectives.
• Develop and inspire a skilled, adaptable team and build contract management capability across Operations Delivery.
• Oversee effective maintenance and renewal of transport and solid waste network assets using lifecycle data and service needs.
• Perform Road Controlling Authority duties, including transport regulatory processes and road closures.
• Build trusted relationships with iwi/Māori partners, residents, community groups, elected members and key stakeholders.
• Champion safety, continuous improvement, innovation and collaboration across Council.

Skills

Leadership

Contract management

Stakeholder management

Financial management

Communication

Education

Civil engineering degree

Job description

Lead the delivery of essential transport and solid waste services that help shape Nelson's future and enhance everyday life for our community.

Shaping our future

Kōmiria te anamata

Shaping Our Future was built with the ideas and experience of our own people. Staff input shaped our Operating Model, and that model now guides our new structure: organised around our customers, clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the future. Part of that vision is a workplace where people feel they belong and have room to grow. If you’re looking to develop your career, use your skills in a new way, or help shape how we serve Whakatū Nelson, we encourage you to apply.

About the role

Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

As a leader in the Operations Delivery team you will be part of an integrated unit, bringing together the delivery of Nelson’s essential services; using strong contract management, good systems and reliable data to keep our city running well every day.

You’ll lead a high-performing team, driving outstanding contract outcomes, and ensuring our transport and solid waste services are safe, efficient, customer-focused, and deliver real value for our community.

• Lead operational roading, public transport and solid waste service delivery
• Drive supplier, contract and performance management to maximise value-for-money, manage risk and achieve service objectives
• Develop and inspire a skilled, adaptable team and build contract management capability across Operations Delivery
• Oversee effective maintenance and renewal of transport and solid waste network assets using lifecycle data and service needs
• Perform Road Controlling Authority duties, including transport regulatory processes and road closures
• Build trusted relationships with iwi/Māori partners, residents, community groups, elected members and key stakeholders
• Champion safety, continuous improvement, innovation and collaboration across Council

About you

Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You’ll be a people-focused leader who thrives on turning strategy into action and delivering services that make a real difference to the community. You bring strong operational expertise, commercial acumen, and the ability to build trusted relationships across a wide range of stakeholders. Most importantly, you're passionate about developing people, driving continuous improvement, and achieving great outcomes for customers and the community.

You Will Bring

• A relevant tertiary qualification in civil engineering or a related discipline
• Proven experience leading high-performing teams and creating a culture of accountability, growth and collaboration
• Strong operational leadership experience delivering transport, infrastructure or solid waste services in a complex environment
• A track record of achieving value-for-money outcomes through effective contract, supplier and performance managementSound knowledge of transport and solid waste asset lifecycle management, including planning for future service needs
• Strong financial management skills and the ability to balance operational priorities, affordability and community expectations
• Excellent communication skills, including experience preparing reports and presenting information to senior decision-makers
• The ability to build productive relationships with iwi, contractors, community groups, elected members, colleagues in our Asset and Activity Planning team and other key stakeholders
• A commitment to customer-focused service delivery, innovation and continuous improvement
• A project or contract management qualification would be an advantage

What we offer

Ko ngā painga mōu

• Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives
• A fully subsidised health insurance scheme
• A flexible workplace including hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance
• Generous leave provisions
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• Access to various employee benefits and discounts
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that shape our community's wellbeing and future
• Mountains, beaches and national parks at your doorstep

At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Applications close

Rā whakakapi

11pm, Friday, 6 November 2026.

For further enquiries

Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

Please reach out to our people team on [e-mail]