Public Transport and Active Travel Manager

Decipher Group; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local governing body is seeking a Public Transport and Active Travel Manager to enhance transport services in Invercargill. The role involves leading community-focused transportation initiatives and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure safe and sustainable transport options. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership and communication skills, with a preference for those having experience in local government. This position offers the chance to significantly impact the future of the community's transport services.

Qualifications

• Experience in local government, community services, and contract or project management preferred.
• Strong leadership through influencing and collaboration.
• Excellent communication skills, with ability to prepare and present reports.
• Financial and organizational skills to manage contracts and budgets.
• Customer-focused mindset balancing operational and long-term planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate public transport and active travel initiatives.
• Prepare and present reports, budgets, and recommendations for Council.
• Collaborate with transport providers, government partners, and the community.

Skills

Confident communication

Problem-solving

Relationship building

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Public Transport and Active Travel Manager

• Lead and coordinate public transport and active travel initiatives
• Influence and collaborate to deliver better transport outcomes
• A community focused role with purpose

About the organisation

Invercargill City Council is committed to building a city that is safe, sustainable, and connected. Guided by the values of Responsibility, Respect, Positivity, and Above & Beyond, the Council strives to deliver services that enhance quality of life and create a thriving community. Collaboration, innovation, and a customer-first approach sit at the heart of everything they do.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to Invercargill’s future by shaping public transport services, and cycle and pathways to ensure they are safe, sustainable, and community focused. If you are motivated by community outcomes, enjoy building strong partnerships, and have the leadership skills to influence and deliver results this may be an ideal role for you.

About the role

The Public Transport and Active Travel Manager (cycle and pathways) will lead the delivery and improvement of Invercargill’s public transport and active travel services, ensuring safe, reliable, and accessible transport options for the community.

This newly created position sits within the Infrastructure, Strategic Asset Planning team, and balances day-to-day operational management with longer-term strategic planning. It is responsible for contributing to the Long-Term Plan (LTP) and Annual Plans, preparing reports for Council and external partners, and ensuring that contracts and budgets are effectively managed. The role works closely with contractors, service providers, government agencies, and community groups to shape transport services that meet both current and future needs.

With one direct report, this position is about influencing, collaboration, and building strong relationships across multiple groups to achieve outcomes.

Key priorities of the role include:

• Leading and coordinating public transport and active travel initiatives that improve community access and support sustainability.
• Preparing and presenting reports, budgets, and recommendations for Council, and contributing to the Long-Term and Annual Plans.
• Applying strong influencing and relationship management skills to collaborate with transport providers, government partners, and the community.

About you

You will be a confident communicator, problem solver, and relationship builder who enjoys working with people to create positive outcomes. Whilst a transport background would be ideal, it is not essential if you possess the ability to provide leadership, coordination, and advocacy across the transport and active travel space.

You will also possess:

• Experience in local government, community services, and contract or project management preferred.
• Strong leadership through influencing, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present reports.
• Financial and organisational skills to manage contracts, budgets, and reporting requirements.
• A customer-focused mindset with the ability to balance operational requirements with long-term planning.

To discover more about Invercargill City Council visit https://www.icc.govt.nz/

For a confidential discussion about the role, contact Lisa Edwards, [e-mail]