Principal Project Manager

New Zealand Transport Agency; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A national transport organization is seeking a Principal Project Manager to lead large and complex infrastructure projects across New Zealand. This role requires strong leadership and project management skills to drive successful outcomes. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing infrastructure projects, excellent relationship-building capabilities, and the ability to negotiate with senior stakeholders. This position offers a competitive salary range of $160,000 - $200,000.

Benefits

Life insurance

Income protection

Critical illness insurance

Qualifications

• Experience with the delivery of large complex infrastructure projects is essential.
• Extensive experience in project/programme management, including schedule, financial and risk management.
• Experience in managing contracts in complex construction environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects through various stages including planning, procurement, design, and construction.
• Contribute to the delivery of complex construction projects in NZ.
• Collaborate with other teams in the Transport Agency and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Relationship management

Negotiation

Job description

• Take an active leadership role in large, complex and high-profile projects across New Zealand that make a real difference to our country
• Drive alignment with project management frameworks to support the programme or portfolio in meeting business outcomes
• Contribute towards key projects Takitimu North Link
• Hamilton or Tauranga based role

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Seeking accomplished project leaders with solid exposure within large and complex construction project environments. Contribute to the delivery of complex construction projects in NZ. This role requires you to be in our CBD office regularly and site locations as required.

As a Principal Project Manager at the NZTA, you will bring strong leadership to the team to support best practice design and construction outcomes.

This is a unique opportunity to use your first-rate people, engineering and project management skills to contribute to the delivery of complex construction projects in New Zealand. This will involve close collaboration and engagement with other teams in the Transport Agency, local authorities, mana whenua, and a variety of stakeholders and delivery partners. This is where your strong relationship skills will come to the fore.

We are looking for someone that can advocate and negotiate for best practice with our suppliers throughout the project lifecycle. You will lead projects through various stages which could include business/investment case development, project planning, procurement, detailed design and construction as required.

This role provides an opportunity to lead projects that support rapid growth and development.A copy of the position description can be found here.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $160,000 - $200,000 commensurate to skills and experience.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You will bring strong leadership to the team to support best practice project delivery outcomes. You will have the ability to develop strong working relationships built on trust across a variety of stakeholders. In addition, to be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Experience with the delivery of large complex infrastructure projects is essential
• Experience in formalising project decision making and reporting to project governance teams. Extensive experience managing and leading technical teams within the construction industry
• Extensive experience in project/programme management, including schedule, financial and risk management
• Experience in managing contracts in complex construction environments and a sound understanding of NZS3916 and the alliance model
• Leadership experience with strong, demonstrable written and oral communication skills
• Experience in analysing complex engineering problems
• Experience in engaging with key strategic stakeholders including local authorities, mana whenua and delivery and supply chain partners.
• Strong influencing skills, with the proven ability to negotiate successfully with senior leaders within the transport sector or similar
• Ability to influence best for project decisions whilst being cognisant of broader programme objectives and client objectives
• Experience with mentoring and coaching junior members of team

Ko wai mātou | About us

At the NZ Transport Agency, Waka Kotahi, it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depend on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. The NZTA has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years' time.

The focus of the Transport Services group is to provide, improve and maintain an integrated land transport system to effectively enable people-centred, technology-enabled, system focused transport services, in partnership with other system providers.

Along with our other benefits we also have new Waka Kotahi Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance scheme available for permanent employees.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

26 September 2025

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.