National Manager Asset Ownership

New Zealand Transport Agency; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development

Inclusive team culture

National infrastructure projects

Job summary

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency seeks a senior leader to shape long-term network performance and value for money for NZ's transport assets. You will own asset governance, standards and risk frameworks while lifting maturity through digital enablement and evidence-based planning.

Based in Wellington or Auckland, you will steer the State Highway Asset Management Plan, collaborate across groups, and prioritise investment, maintenance and operations for safe, resilient transport outcomes.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a large complex organisation.
• Deep asset management leadership across whole-life planning.
• Experience leading standards, governance and performance approaches.
• Ability to use asset intelligence and data for investment decisions.
• Credible with senior stakeholders and partner groups.

Responsibilities

• Provide system leadership for asset ownership and network performance.
• Develop and implement state highway asset management plans and standards.
• Drive digital enablement, analytics and evidence-based planning.
• Lead cross-group collaboration to optimise whole-of-life outcomes.
• Influence sector groups to achieve joined-up, value-for-money outcomes.

Skills

Senior leadership

Asset management

Asset systems

Asset data analytics

Stakeholder influence

Postgraduate qualification

Te Ao Māori engagement

Education

Postgraduate degree

Job description

Senior system leadership role setting asset standards and plans for New Zealand’s state highway and rapid transit assets Wellington or Auckland-based leadership opportunity shaping long-term network performance, resilience and value for money Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity This role carries responsibility for the stewardship of one of New Zealand's largest and most valuable public asset portfolios. You will shape how NZTA defines, manages and optimises network performance over the long term, lifting asset management maturity and ensuring the best outcomes from every dollar invested in the network. You will also own the frameworks used to identify, manage and treat asset and network risks, and ensure performance is monitored against agreed levels of service. As National Manager Asset Ownership, you will provide system leadership for how NZTA manages its transport assets. You will lead the development and implementation of the State Highway Asset Management Plan, network definition, asset standards and quality assurance frameworks that support consistent performance across existing assets and new infrastructure. You will also drive the use of asset intelligence, analytics and digital technologies to strengthen evidence-based decision making, enabling NZTA to better prioritise, plan and optimise investment, maintenance and operational activity across the network. This is a significant senior leadership role within the Asset & Operations Group Leadership Team. You will set the direction for a smart and balanced approach to asset management, ensuring safety, resilience, performance, cost and risk are optimised across the asset lifecycle. Working closely with the Infrastructure Development & Delivery Group, you will help ensure planning, investment and delivery decisions are integrated and focused on whole-of-life asset performance and long-term network outcomes. You will play a key role in lifting NZTA's asset management maturity by embedding digital enablement, evidence-led planning and continuous improvement into how we manage one of New Zealand's most valuable public asset portfolios. Ko koe tēnei

About you

• Demonstrated senior leadership experience, including the ability to lead through others and turn strategy into clear priorities, plans and outcomes in a large, complex organisation.
• Deep asset management leadership experience, including whole-of-life planning and balancing service levels, risk, resilience, cost and long-term value across a complex asset portfolio.
• A strong understanding of asset management systems, standards, assurance, lifecycle governance, network operations and the wider transport system Experience developing and embedding standards, plans, frameworks or performance approaches that improve consistency, safety, resilience and value for money.
• Proven ability to use asset intelligence, condition data, evidence and performance insights to inform investment, maintenance and operational decisions and interventions.
• A track record of building credibility and influencing senior stakeholders, partners and sector groups to deliver joined-up outcomes.
• Tertiary qualifications at postgraduate level in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience.
• You'll demonstrate a willingness to understand and engage with Te Ao Māori, support NZTA's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and contribute to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making.

About us

Transport networks that deliver for people, places and New Zealand sit at the heart of our purpose. Within Asset & Operations, we are responsible for the stewardship of New Zealand’s state highway and rapid transit assets, ensuring they perform safely, reliably and sustainably for current and future generations. You'll join a collaborative and high-performing team focused on lifting delivery excellence, strengthening commercial capability, and shaping better outcomes for the communities we serve. We also offer:

• Flexible working arrangements
• A commitment to professional development and growth
• An inclusive and supportive team culture
• The opportunity to work on nationally significant infrastructure programmes
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Applications close: 21 August 2026

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.

About us

At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. Waka Kotahi has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years time.