Planning and Development Improvement Lead

JobSpace; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency is seeking a Planning and Development Improvement Lead to shape how major transport projects are planned, developed and delivered. You will drive front-end improvements, de-risk initiatives and embed new approaches that lift capability across the organisation.

You will work with senior leaders, project teams and industry partners to champion data, digital tools and change management, promoting consistent, high-quality development across programmes and geographies.

Qualifications

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

• Lead strategic improvement initiatives across the front end of the project lifecycle.
• Champion the use of data, digital tools and change management to embed lasting improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement to ensure projects are well defined, de-risked and ready for delivery.
• Collaborate with senior leaders, project teams, suppliers and partners to uplift capability across NZTA and the wider transport sector.

Skills

Project leadership

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

Data & digital tools

Communication

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Planning and Development Improvement Lead

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

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.

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.

For further information, email: *******@nzta.govt.nz

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.