Planning and Development Improvement Lead

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is seeking a Planning & Development Improvement Lead to shape how major transport projects are planned, developed and delivered. You will drive continuous improvement across the front end of the lifecycle and promote data, digital tools, and change management to lift capability across NZTA and the wider sector.

Working with senior leaders and partners, you’ll lead strategic initiatives to enhance consistency, quality and effectiveness of project development.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering large and complex transport infrastructure projects
• Proven track record leading transformation initiatives in complex environments
• Strong programme or project leadership capabilities
• Ability to influence and unite diverse stakeholder groups
• Understanding of emerging industry trends, digital innovation
• Exceptional communication and ability to translate ideas into practical solutions

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic improvement initiatives across the front end of the project lifecycle
• Champion data, digital tools and change management to embed lasting improvements
• Collaborate with senior leaders, project teams, suppliers and industry partners

Skills

Large-scale project delivery

Transformation / change leadership

Programme or project leadership

Stakeholder influence

Industry trends & 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. To find out more about this role, please view the position description.

What you'll bring

We're looking for someone who combines deep project development expertise with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement. You'll ideally 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.

Rá 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.

Ko wai mātou | 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.