Principal Advisor Transport System Policy

Auckland Council; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Well-being focus

Diversity & inclusion

GenderTick accreditation

Pride pledge

Job summary

Auckland Council is seeking a Principal Advisor Transport Policy to shape Auckland's transport future. You will lead and support development of integrated strategies, provide trusted advice to senior decision-makers, and build relationships across council, government and the wider transport sector.

With 10+ years in policy/planning and strong knowledge of transport systems and investment planning, you will translate complex evidence into practical policy, guiding investment decisions and

Qualifications

• Approximately 10+ years’ experience in policy, planning, strategy, capital programme or business case development.
• Strong knowledge of transport systems, investment planning and local/central government legislation.
• Experience leading cross-departmental or cross-agency strategies and major policy documents.
• Proven ability to engage senior stakeholders in a political environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience with financial modelling would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support the development of major transport strategies and policies.
• Support transport investment planning and prioritisation methodologies.
• Develop monitoring frameworks, policy advice and submissions on transport issues.
• Advise elected members, regional committees and senior managers on transport matters.
• Build relationships with partner agencies and stakeholders.

Skills

Policy development

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Financial modelling

Public sector knowledge

Transport policy

Job description

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This is a standout opportunity for a strategic thinker to help shape the future of Auckland’s transport system. As Principal Advisor Transport Policy, you will work at the forefront of complex, high-profile programmes that influence how Tāmaki Makaurau moves and grows.

You will lead and support the development of integrated, evidence-based strategies and policies, provide trusted advice to senior decision-makers, and bring together perspectives from across council, government and the wider transport sector. It is a chance to apply your expertise where it matters—helping ensure transport investment achieves the desired outcomes, supporting Auckland’s long-term direction and creating better outcomes for communities across the region.

Day-to-day you could expect to work on:

• Lead or support the development of major transport strategies and policies.
• Transport investment planning, such as supporting the development of the Regional Land Transport Plan, including prioritisation methodology.
• Develop monitoring frameworks, policy advice and submissions on issues affecting Auckland’s transport system.
• Advise elected members, the Auckland Regional Transport Committee and senior managers on a range of transport matters
• Build strong relationships internally, with partner agencies and stakeholders.

This position calls for relevant experience in the transport sector, or within associated disciplines such as infrastructure, urban development, and economics. In addition, strong analytical capability, and a talent for translating complex evidence into clear, practical advice. You will combine strategic thinking with strong knowledge of transport systems and investment planning, along with the confidence and sound judgement to work with senior stakeholders across local and central government.

You will enjoy bringing people together, building trusted relationships and working collaboratively across organisational boundaries to achieve meaningful outcomes. The role also offers the opportunity to share your expertise, support the development of others and mentor team members as they grow their policy capability.

Specifically, we are looking for:

• Approximately 10 or more years’ experience in policy, planning, strategy, capital programme or business case development, ideally within the public sector.
• Strong knowledge of transport systems, investment planning and relevant local and central government legislation, practices and constraints.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-departmental or cross-agency strategies, complex public policy documents or significant planning processes.
• Experience engaging senior stakeholders, working in a political environment and contributing to public consultation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Experience and skills in financial modelling would be advantageous

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders.

We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement. We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

Application close date: Sunday 8th of November at 11:59pm

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer. We serve the diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, educational background, or religious beliefs. We also welcome applications from our Rainbow communities as well as disabled and neurodivergent people. We are committed to making our hiring process accessible to everyone. If you require any support or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.