Planning and Development Improvement Lead

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking a Planning & Development Improvement Lead to drive continuous improvement across the front end of the project lifecycle and to de-risk and better define complex transport infrastructure projects. You will lead strategic improvement initiatives and champion data-driven change across NZTA and the wider transport sector.

Working closely with senior leaders and partners, you’ll bring innovative approaches and international best practice to elevate

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering large and complex transport infrastructure projects.
• Experience leading business improvement and change initiatives in complex environments.
• Strong programme or project leadership capabilities.
• Ability to influence across diverse stakeholder groups.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement across the front end of the project lifecycle.
• Lead strategic improvement initiatives to de-risk and better define projects.
• Champion use of data, digital tools, and change management practices.
• Collaborate with senior leaders, project teams, suppliers and industry partners.

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’llbring 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,suppliersand industry partners,you’lllead strategic improvement initiatives that enhance the consistency,qualityand effectiveness of transport project development.You’llalso playan important rolein 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

Whatyou’llbring

We’relooking for someone who combines deep project developmentexpertisewith a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

You’llideally bring:

• Significant experiencedelivering 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 bestpracticeand digital innovation

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex ideas into practical solutions.

Why join us?

You’llhave the opportunity to help shape national approaches to infrastructure planning and development, influence industry practice, and contribute to the successful delivery of projects that willbenefitcommunities across New Zealand for generations to come.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

15 September 2026

For further information, email: [e-mail]

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.