Project Controls Specialist

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Career development

Collaborative culture

5 weeks annual leave

Income protection

Critical illness insurance

Inclusive culture

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi seeks a Project Controls Specialist to provide specialist controls support across a portfolio of infrastructure projects. You will work with Project Directors and Managers to ensure successful delivery through cost management, reporting, risk management, scheduling and governance.

You’ll contribute to continuous improvement in project controls practices within the Transport Services group and support cross-functional teams across the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Experience in PMO, programme or project delivery environments.
• Strong skills in cost management, reporting, scheduling and risk management.
• Proven ability in budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Manage project controls and administration across projects.
• Support reporting, forecasting, budgeting, scheduling and risk management.
• Analyse project financial information including cashflow forecasting.

Skills

PMO experience

Cost management

Reporting

Scheduling

Stakeholder management

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Business/Commerce/Engineering

PM/Programme management qualification

Tools

SAP

Job description

• Partner to drive project performance, reporting, risk management and financial controls.
• Join a high-performing team that is shaping New Zealand's future transport system.
• Civil Engineering graduates and project experience is desirable.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We're looking for a Project Controls Specialist to provide specialist project controls support across a portfolio of infrastructure projects. Working closely with Project Directors, Project Managers and project teams, you'll help ensure projects are delivered successfully through effective cost management, reporting, risk management, scheduling and project governance.

As part of the Transport Services Group, you'll contribute to projects that connect people, products and places across Aotearoa while supporting continuous improvement in project controls practices and frameworks.

You can find the position description here.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary within Band 16, commensurate with skills and experience.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Managing project controls and associated administration across assigned projects.
• Supporting project teams with reporting, forecasting, budgeting, scheduling and risk management.
• Maintaining and analysing project financial information, including cashflow forecasting and variance analysis.
• Coordinating high-quality project and programme reporting for key stakeholders.
• Supporting the identification, escalation and management of project risks and issues.
• Providing technical advice and guidance to ensure alignment with enterprise project controls frameworks.
• Building trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Contributing to the continual improvement of project management tools, methodologies and reporting practices.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You’ll bring strong project controls expertise and a passion for delivering quality outcomes in a complex infrastructure environment.

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will Have

• Experience working in a PMO, programme or project delivery environment.
• Strong project controls experience across cost management, reporting, scheduling and risk management.
• Proven experience with project financial management, including budgeting, forecasting and analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience building effective relationships and working collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders.
• The ability to identify trends, risks and issues and implement proactive solutions.

Ideally, You’ll Also Have

• Experience supporting civil engineering, transport or infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of contract administration and reporting, including NZS and collaborative contracting environments.
• Experience using project management and SAP financial systems.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Commerce, Engineering or a related discipline.
• A project or programme management qualification.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application within the public service.

Mō mātou | About us

Working within the Transport Services business group, you'll have the opportunity to influence and help deliver New Zealand's future transport system. NZTA is New Zealand's largest infrastructure delivery agency, planning, designing, delivering, managing and operating a nationally integrated transport network in partnership with communities, local government and industry.

Our work has a direct impact on how people live, travel, work and connect. You'll be part of a highly capable team committed to delivering infrastructure that benefits all New Zealanders.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return

At NZTA, you'll be part of a team that is passionate about making a difference for New Zealanders.

Along With a Competitive Salary, You'll Enjoy

• Flexible working arrangements.
• Career development opportunities across a diverse infrastructure portfolio.
• Working alongside some of New Zealand's leading infrastructure professionals.
• Five weeks annual leave.
• Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees.
• A collaborative and inclusive culture that supports growth and development.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

25 August 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.