Planning and Development Improvement Lead

New Zealand Government; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is seeking a Planning & Development Improvement Lead to shape the front end of transport project delivery in New Zealand. The role focuses on driving continuous improvement across the project lifecycle, ensuring projects are well defined, de-risked and positioned for successful delivery.

You will work with senior leaders, project teams and industry partners to implement innovative approaches, leverage data and digital tools, and champion change management to embed

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic improvement initiatives to enhance the consistency, quality and effectiveness of transport project development.
• Drive continuous improvement across the front end of the project lifecycle to better define and de-risk projects.
• Champion the use of data, digital tools, and change management practices to embed lasting improvements across NZTA and the transport sector.

Skills

Large transport projects

Business improvement leadership

Program/project leadership

Stakeholder influence

Industry trends & digital innovation

Communication skills

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

• 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: Tuesday 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.

NZTA| 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.