PRINCIPAL ADVISOR

Waikato Regional Council; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Waikato Regional Council is seeking a Principal Advisor-Transport in Hamilton to lead strategic advisory work and shape the region's transport future. The role works with the Director of Regional Transport Connections, driving high‑level decisions and complex projects that transform services and programmes.

You will analyse data, manage risks, support budgets and forecasting, and help foster a high‑performing team culture aligned with our values.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to provide high‑level strategic advice to directors and senior leadership.
• Experience influencing transport and public transport policy and programmes.
• Strong planning, budgeting, forecasting and performance reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the Director in senior governance and political interactions.
• Lead strategic engagement to ensure the directorate responds to operational needs.
• Plan, develop and deliver work programmes aligned with the directorate's focus.
• Provide strategic advice on transport issues and business transformation initiatives.
• Support planning, budgets, forecasting and reporting; manage risks.
• Lead or contribute to cross‑directorate projects and manage contractors.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Project leadership

Data analysis

Education

Relevant tertiary qualifications in transport or policy

Job description

Hamilton | Policy and Strategy | Full Time

120,000 - 140,000 NZD per year

Posted 2 weeks ago | Apply before October 18, 2026

Description

At Waikato Regional Council, the work we do today shapes how our region connects tomorrow. We are seeking an experienced Principal Advisor-Transport to play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the future of regional transport. This is a unique opportunity to provide strategic thought leadership and trusted expert advice that will influence direction, enable business transformation, and make a lasting impact across our Regional Transport Connections directorate.

This senior advisory role works closely with the Director, Regional Transport Connections, providing trusted, high‑level strategic advice, supporting team peers and delivering complex projects that support Council priorities and the future of transport in the Waikato region.

In this influential position, you will play a critical role in driving operational performance, supporting effective risk management, and applying strong problem‑solving skills. You will also champion continuous improvement and help foster a high‑performing team culture grounded in our organisational values.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

• Actively supporting the Director in operating effectively at a senior governance and political level
• Leading strategic internal engagement to ensure the directorate responds effectively to operational and organisational needs
• Planning, developing and delivering specialised work programmes, assigned deliverables and projects that support the directorate’s strategic focus
• Providing strategic advice and support to the Director and senior leadership team on transport and public transport issues as well as business transformation and organisational change initiatives
• Supporting planning processes, budgets, forecasting, performance measurement and reporting
• Undertaking data analysis, modelling and presentation of outcomes
• Support team peers in delivering the transport and public transport programme
• Leading or contributing to cross directorate projects, and managing external contractors and consultants where required
• Ensuring risks are identified and managed, and projects are delivered on time and within budget

You will be a confident, proactive professional who thrives in complex and fast changing environments. We are looking for:

• A strong self-starter who can understand complex issues at a systems-level and identify integrated opportunities across both land-use and transport
• Someone with the ability to form and provide strategic advice to decision makers
• A natural collaborator with strong professional networks
• Experience of leading and participating in significant projects and programmes.
• An understanding of the New Zealand transport legislative, policy and funding environment
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in transport, policy, business management and/or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in business planning, performance measurement and project management.
• Previous experience in local government.
• Success at a senior role in a multidisciplinary organisation with demonstrable achievements.

Mō te tīma | About the team

Our leadership team is focused on creating teams with sufficient resources, capability and experience to deliver a wide range of technical, operational, customer-facing and people-focused work every day.

We are firmly focused on building and maintaining a strong culture.

We manage strategic and funding relationships with key stakeholders such as NZ Transport Agency.

We work hard to care for the mighty Waikato, so current and future generations will benefit from a healthy environment, strong economy, and vibrant communities.

Our mahi is as diverse as the region we care for and the people who share it. Our work helps look after our region's water, soil, air, geothermal areas and coasts - so we can all enjoy these precious resources for generations to come.

Customers sit at the heart of everything we do, and all staff have an important role to play in the delivery of exceptional customer service.

By partnering with iwi and working with many others in our communities, our collective kaitiakitanga will make the Waikato region even better.

Together, we’ll create a sustainable future that will make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Applications will be reviewed as they come in.