Senior Advisor - Maintenance and Operations

New Zealand Transport Agency; Manawatū-Whanganui; On-site; NZD 111,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Job summary

New Zealand Transport Agency – Waka Kotahi is seeking a Senior Advisor - Maintenance and Operations to influence investment decisions for local government transport activities and deliver system-wide outcomes that matter for New Zealanders. You will optimise investment across activities funded through the National Land Transport Fund and work with councils and internal teams.

The role requires strong technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills to balance value for

Qualifications

• Experience in road network asset management and maintenance.
• Knowledge of local government transport planning and investment decision making.
• Strong analytical and interpretation skills.
• Ability to work strategically within a national context.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Practical, solutions-focused mindset.
• Full NZ driver licence required.

Responsibilities

• Provide investment advice, support and assurance for local government transport activities including emergency works, improvement programmes and maintenance & renewals.
• Support councils with Transport Activity Management Plans and funding processes.
• Influence transport investment to deliver system-wide outcomes and value for money.
• Monitor delivery of the National Land Transport Programme and related performance outcomes.
• Contribute to development of the National Land Transport Programme and regional investment planning.
• Work with sector partners and participate in national technical committees and reference groups.
• Communicate clearly and pragmatically with stakeholders across the transport sector.

Skills

Road asset management

Local government transport planning

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Problem solving

NZ driver licence

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

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Senior Advisor - Maintenance and Operations

New Zealand Transport Agency – Manawatu County

• Shape how transport funding is invested.
• Advise on decisions that impact communities.
• Apply technical expertise to real system outcomes.

At NZ Transport Agency | Waka Kotahi, our purpose is Moving. Together. We're building a land transport system that connects people, products and places for a thriving Aotearoa.

Senior Advisor - Maintenance and Operations to work closely with local government partners and internal teams to influence transport investment decisions and deliver system‑wide outcomes that matter for New Zealanders.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity
As a Senior Advisor - Maintenance and Operations, you will play a key role in optimising investment across local government transport activities, predominantly funded through the National Land Transport Fund. You will bring strong technical knowledge, sound judgement and a collaborative approach to ensure investment decisions deliver value for money and align with national priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing investment advice, support and assurance for local government transport activities including emergency works, improvement programmes and maintenance & renewals
• Supporting councils with Transport Activity Management Plans and funding processes
• Influencing transport investment to deliver systemwide outcomes and value for money
• Monitoring delivery of the National Land Transport Programme and associated performance outcomes
• Contributing to the development of the National Land Transport Programme and regional investment planning
• Working with sector partners and participating in national technical committees and reference groups
• Communicating clearly and pragmatically with stakeholders across the transport sector

The Position Description can be viewed here.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $111,051 and $135,000 commensurate with skills and experience.

Ko koe tēnei | About you
What You'll Bring to the Role:
You will be a trusted advisor who can balance technical expertise with strategic thinking and strong relationship management along with:

• Experience and understanding of road network asset management and maintenance
• Knowledge of local government transport planning and investment decision making
• Strong analytical and interpretation skills
• The ability to work strategically within a national context
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A practical, solutions focused mindset when working through complex challenges
• A relevant tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience) and a full NZ driver licence

You’ll also demonstrate, or be willing to develop, an understanding of Te Ao Māori, tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as they apply in the public sector.

We are offering a very competitive salary and benefits including 5 weeks annual leave so, if you're ready to bring your expertise, courage, and collaborative spirit to a role that truly matters and help us move New Zealand forward.

Mō mātou |About Us
The Local Government Partnerships team supports local government with planning, development and delivery of transport initiatives, predominantly funded through the National Land Transport Fund. The team holds planning and investment process expertise to guide Approved Organisations through the funding processes, where requirements, forms and other application, reporting and monitoring activities change regularly.

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

NZTA| 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.