Principal Advisor Partnerships

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 134,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi invites applications for the Principal Advisor, Partnerships. In this senior role you will lead strategic collaboration across road safety programmes, build cross‑government and industry partnerships, and shape initiatives that extend NZTA's influence and deliver safer road outcomes for New Zealanders.

You'll manage complex multi‑agency projects, mentor the Education and Partnerships team, and influence senior leaders to maximise programme impact.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading complex, multi‑organisation projects and initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management to influence senior leaders and diverse groups.
• Proven success delivering integrated marketing, communications and education programmes with measurable outcomes.
• Experience building strategic partnerships across government, local government, community, or commercial sectors.
• Strong analytical skills to gather, interpret and utilise insights for decision making.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to influence and inspire.
• Experience managing budgets, suppliers or external service providers.
• Strong collaboration skills to operate across organisational boundaries.
• Tertiary qualification in partnerships, communications, marketing, education, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the public sector context.

Responsibilities

• Leading strategic oversight of investment in the Regional Road Safety Promotion Programme.
• Building and maintaining strong partnerships with cross‑government agencies, councils, and sector stakeholders.
• Identifying and developing new partnership opportunities with commercial and corporate organisations.
• Evaluating programme performance and recommending improvements to maximise impact.
• Providing leadership, mentoring, and support across the Education and Partnerships team.
• Driving communication and engagement activities that support successful programme delivery.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Strategic partnerships

Marketing & education programs

Budget & procurement

Analytical thinking

Communication & presentation

Collaboration across orgs

Education

Tertiary qualification in partnerships, communications, marketing, education, or equivalent

Job description

• Lead strategic partnerships that deliver safer road safety outcomes for New Zealanders
• Influence across government, local authorities, and commercial organisations
• Drive high‑impact initiatives that extend the reach and effectiveness of road safety promotion
• Permanent opportunity based out of Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch (flexible on location)

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to play a strategic leadership role within NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Engagement and Partnerships Group. As the Principal Advisor, Partnerships, you will develop and strengthen relationships across government, local councils, sector, and commercial partners to deliver coordinated and impactful road safety initiatives.

Working within the Education and Partnerships team, you'll lead strategic collaboration across road safety programmes, identify opportunities to expand NZTA's influence beyond traditional channels, and help shape initiatives that make a meaningful difference to communities across Aotearoa. We are looking for someone operating at a principal level, who can come in and hit the ground running.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Leading strategic oversight of investment in the Regional Road Safety Promotion Programme.
• Building and maintaining strong partnerships with cross‑government agencies, councils, and sector stakeholders.
• Identifying and developing new partnership opportunities with commercial and corporate organisations.
• Evaluating programme performance and recommending improvements to maximise impact.
• Providing leadership, mentoring, and support across the Education and Partnerships team.
• Driving communication and engagement activities that support successful programme delivery.

You will find out more about the role here: Position Description.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $134,000 - $164,000 commensurate with skills and experience.

Ō Pūmanawa | What we're looking for

• Extensive experience leading complex, multi organisation projects and initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management expertise with the ability to influence senior leaders and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proven success developing and delivering integrated marketing, communications and education programmes that achieve measurable outcomes.
• Experience building strategic partnerships across government, local government, community, or commercial sectors.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to gather, interpret, and utilise insights to inform decision making.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and inspire.
• Experience managing budgets, suppliers, or external service providers.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries.
• A tertiary qualification in partnerships, communications, marketing, education, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to develop an understanding of, Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the public sector context.

Mō mātou | About Us

The Engagement and Partnerships group leads stakeholder engagement, customer communications, iwi relationships and partnership activity that helps build trust and confidence while delivering transport outcomes for New Zealand.

He aha te take e uru ai koe ki a mātou? | So, why join us?

At NZTA, you'll be part of an organisation where the different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences of our people are celebrated. We want you to feel like you belong here, valued, respected and empowered to bring your whole self to work.

From five weeks’ annual leave through to Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for our permanent employees, you will be well looked after here. Our benefits are designed to support our people and provide a happy, healthy and high‑performing environment. We take a principle‑based approach to flexibility that enables our people and People Leaders to agree arrangements that work for the individual, the team and the organisation. Whether through on‑the‑job experience, formal learning, coaching or secondments, you can build a varied and successful career with us.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

9 October 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.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.