Senior Project Manager

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental transport agency in Dunedin is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing transport services. This role includes managing project teams, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring project objectives align with community benefits. Competitive salary between $110,000 – $130,000 based on experience, with additional perks including annual leave and insurance benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Family friendly working arrangements

5 weeks annual leave

Income Protection and Critical illness Insurance

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of project management experience in complex construction or infrastructure environments.
• Strong understanding of legislation and business case approaches.
• Experience using NZS391X format contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead transport infrastructure projects from inception to completion.
• Collaborate with stakeholders including local iwi and contractors.
• Manage project teams of internal and external professionals.

Skills

Project management experience

Relationship management skills

Financial and risk management

Influencing skills

Contract management in civil engineering

Job description

• Contribute your technical leadership across a significant projects that will deliver tangible benefits for the wider community
• Seeking 5-7 years’ experience project management experience with solid exposure within complex construction or infrastructural project environments
• Permanent opportunity based in Christchurch or Dunedin
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Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We have a great opportunity for a Senior Project Manager to join the team. The purpose of this role is to lead and deliver transport infrastructure projects as well as supporting NZ Transport Agency vision of efficiently delivering an integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable transport system, to create great journeys across the motu and to keep New Zealand moving.

You’ll establish and nurture close collaboration with all partners, including local iwi, contractors and consultants to deliver project leadership. You will be ensuring that the outcomes delivered are best for project, as well as aligning to NZ Transport Agency's desired outcomes.

This is a multi-faceted role, requiring strong leadership qualities to manage our suppliers’ project teams. Working in the Project Delivery team, you’ll collaborate and engage with teams across NZTA, local authorities, and a variety of stakeholders and development partners. This is where your strong relationship skills will come to the fore.

You will work lead projects through various stages which could include investment case development, planning, procurement, detailed design and physical works as required. This will require leading a project team of internal and/or external professional people.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

Our Successful Senior Project Manager Will Bring

• Experience in project management, including schedule, financial and risk management, preferably in the transport sector
• The ability to develop projects by applying a strong understanding of legislation and the business case approach
• Experience in managing contracts within the civil engineering industry and a sound understanding of delivery models using NZS391X format contracts
• A collaborative and team focussed approach to project development
• Exceptional relationship management skills
• Experience in leading project teams of professional people including those from external organisations
• Strong influencing skills, with the proven ability to negotiate successfully with senior leaders within the transport sector or similar

We are looking to appoint between $110,000 – 130,000 depending on skills and experience.

To view the position description, click here.

Ko wai mātou | About us

At NZ Transport Agency, 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 New Zealand. The Transport Agency 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 the future.

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

You will get the opportunity to deliver transport infrastructure projects in your community. You will guide these projects from inception to when the physical works are completed, working across multiple disciplines to build infrastructure that direct benefits the people who travel on our road networks.

In Addition, We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Family friendly working arrangements
• Along with our otherbenefitswe also have 5 weeks annual leave and an Income Protection and Critical illness Insurance scheme available for all permanent employees.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that diversity strengthens our team and enables us to better serve our community. If you’re passionate about making a difference, we welcome your application.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:

Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

23 November 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.