Planning and Development Improvement Lead

New Zealand Transport Agency; Wellington; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) in Wellington Central, North Island, invites applications for Planning and Development Improvement Lead. This role drives continuous improvement across the front end of the project lifecycle, helping ensure projects are better defined, de-risked and positioned for delivery.

You will bring fresh thinking and international best practice, champion data and digital tools, and lead strategic initiatives with senior leaders, teams and partners to lift capability

Qualifications

• Experience delivering large and complex transport infrastructure projects, especially during planning and development.
• Experience leading business improvement, transformation or change initiatives in complex environments.
• Strong programme or project leadership capabilities.
• Ability to influence and bring people together across diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Project leadership

Stakeholder management

Change management

Communication skills

Digital innovation

Job description

Planning and Development Improvement Lead

New Zealand Transport Agency – Wellington Central, North Island

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

• 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

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.

Rä Katinga | Applications close: Tuesday 15 September 2026

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.

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.