Planning and Development Improvement Lead

nztagovtnz; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is seeking a Planning & Development Improvement Lead to shape how New Zealand's transport projects are planned, developed and delivered. This permanent, fulltime role offers oversight across front-end lifecycle improvements and the opportunity to influence large, complex programs.

You'll champion data, digital tools and change management, work with senior leaders, partners and suppliers, and drive initiatives that lift capability across the transport sector.

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering large and complex transport infrastructure projects.
• Experience leading business improvement, transformation, or change initiatives in complex environments.
• Strong programme or project leadership capabilities.
• The ability to influence and bring people together across diverse stakeholder groups.
• An understanding of emerging industry trends, international best practice and digital innovation.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex ideas into practical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement across the front end of the project lifecycle.
• Champion the use of data, digital tools and change management practices to embed lasting improvements.
• Lead strategic improvement initiatives to enhance consistency, quality and delivery of projects.
• Collaborate with senior leaders, project teams, suppliers and industry partners.

Skills

Transport project delivery

Programme leadership

Stakeholder management

Change management

Digital innovation

Excellent communication

Job description

Infrastructure Development & Delivery

Preferred location: Auckland or Wellington. Other locations may be considered

Permanent, Fulltime

Shape the future of transport project delivery in New Zealand

This is a unique opportunity to influence how some of New Zealand's largest and most complex transport infrastructure projects are planned, developed, and delivered.

As the Planning & Development Improvement Lead, you will drive continuous improvement across the front end of the project lifecycle, helping ensure projects are better defined, de-risked, and positioned for successful delivery. You'll bring fresh thinking, international best practice, and innovative approaches that lift capability across NZTA and the wider transport sector.

Working closely with senior leaders, project teams, suppliers and industry partners, you'll lead strategic improvement initiatives that enhance the consistency, quality and effectiveness of transport project development. You'll also play an important role in championing the use of data, digital tools, and change management practices to embed lasting improvements across the business.

What you'll bring

• Significant experience delivering large and complex transport infrastructure projects, particularly during planning and development phases
• Experience leading business improvement, transformation, or change initiatives in complex environments
• Strong programme or project leadership capabilities
• The ability to influence and bring people together across diverse stakeholder groups
• An understanding of emerging industry trends, international best practice and digital innovation
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex ideas into practical solutions.

Why join us?

You'll have the opportunity to help shape national approaches to infrastructure planning and development, influence industry practice, and contribute to the successful delivery of projects that will benefit communities across New Zealand for generations to come.

Rā Katinga | Applications close: 15 September 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.

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