Planning and Development Improvement Lead

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Wellington; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency / Waka Kotahi is seeking a Planning & Development Improvement Lead to help shape how major transport projects are planned, developed and delivered across New Zealand. The role focuses on driving continuous improvement in the front end of the lifecycle and lifting capability across NZTA and the wider transport sector.

Working with senior leaders and industry partners, you will champion data, digital tools and change practices to embed lasting improvements.

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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement across the front end of the project lifecycle to ensure projects are better defined, de-risked and positioned for delivery.
• Lead strategic improvement initiatives to enhance consistency, quality and effectiveness of transport project development.
• Champion the use of data, digital tools and change management practices to embed lasting improvements across the business.
• Collaborate with senior leaders, project teams, suppliers and industry partners to deliver outcomes.

Skills

Project leadership

Stakeholder management

Change management

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.

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

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.