Service Manager - Roading

Palmerston North City Council; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 123,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

A city council in New Zealand is seeking an experienced Service Manager - Roading to lead strategic planning and deliver efficient transport solutions. This full-time role focuses on managing roading infrastructure, budget forecasting, and stakeholder engagement. Ideal candidates will possess a tertiary qualification in engineering with relevant experience in transport or civil engineering. The position offers competitive salary, 5 weeks annual leave, and a supportive work environment dedicated to personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary between $123,848 and $145,704

5 weeks annual leave

Paid parental leave benefits

Annual flu vaccinations

Onsite café and staff gym

Qualifications

• Experience in roading, transport engineering or asset management required.
• Deep knowledge of road network planning and maintenance best practices needed.
• Confidence engaging at a strategic level with stakeholders expected.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning for roading infrastructure over a 10-year horizon.
• Manage operational and capital budgets and oversee programme performance.
• Prepare business cases and secure long-term transport investments.

Skills

Transportation or civil engineering experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong communication skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in Engineering (roading or transport focus)

Job description

Why join us? | He aha ngā hua o tō piri mai?

• Make a Difference: Contribute to the development of Palmerston North City while enjoying a fulfilling career that positively impacts our community
• Professional Growth: Elevate your career through a range of Learning and Development opportunities at Palmerston North City Council.
• Benefits: We do more than just pay you a salary too. We have awesome benefits to support you including 5 weeks annual leave and hybrid working.

About the role | Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga

Palmerston North City Council is seeking a forward-thinking, technically strong Service Manager - Roading to lead our roading activity from strategic planning and programme delivery to performance oversight and innovation

This is a key role within the Infrastructure Group. As the asset owner and activity sponsor for the city’s roading infrastructure, you will oversee the development and delivery of a well-integrated, efficient, and sustainable transport programme that meets community needs now and into the future.

You’ll report to the Activities Manager – Transport and play a critical role in ensuring Palmerston North’s transport network is safe, connected, and fit for purpose. You will manage activity planning, long-term programming, budgeting, and the strategic delivery of maintenance, renewals, and upgrades across our road network.

You’ll also serve as a key liaison with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and play a leading role in preparing business cases and securing long-term transport investment.

This is a full-time role, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Your focus in this role will include:

• Leading strategic planning for roading infrastructure across a 10-year horizon.
• Identifying, scoping, and managing major programmes of work.
• Managing operational and capital budgets, including Waka Kotahi funding applications.
• Overseeing programme performance, from forecasting and delivery to quality assurance and reporting.
• Providing technical leadership and reviewing key project deliverables.

About you | Ngā kōrero mōu

You are an experienced transportation or civil engineering professional with a passion for building better cities through high-quality infrastructure planning and delivery.

This role suits someone who thrives on cross-functional collaboration, can balance technical and strategic thinking, and has the confidence to represent Council’s roading interests across multiple forums.

What you will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in Engineering, with a roading or transport focus.
• Experience in roading, transport engineering, or asset management.
• Deep knowledge of road network planning, delivery, and maintenance best practice.
• Experience with programme management, budget forecasting, and funding applications (e.g. NZTA TIO).
• Strong technical review and advisory skills.
• Confidence engaging at a strategic level with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation (e.g. Local Government Act, Public Works Act).
• Exceptional communication and reporting skills, with political and community awareness.

About us | Ngā kōrero mō mātou

Palmerston North (or as we like to call it, Palmy) is a growing, innovative and exciting city. With small city benefits and big city ambition, Palmy has secured its place on the map as a creative and exciting city, with leading innovation and developments! We’re proud to be a city that includes, supports, connects and uses the talents of the whole community in our pursuit to provide a connected and safe community. We’re also a future-focused city who cares about enhancing our natural and built environment. Our future looks bright, it looks vibrant and progressive.

What we offer | Te āhua o ā mātou mahi

• Competitive salary between $123,848 and $145,704, plus a 3% Kiwisaver employer contribution (where eligible)
• 5 weeks annual leave and a community service day
• Long service leave after qualifying periods
• Paid parental leave benefits
• Supportive work environment that values work-life balance
• Annual flu vaccinations and subsidised health and eye checks
• Onsite café, staff gym and wellness space
• Study leave, professional memberships, and fees support
• The opportunity to make a real difference in the future of a vibrant, growing city

Applications close: 11.00 pm, Tuesday 20 January 2025. Please note due to a Christmas shutdown period applications will not be reviewed until the end of the advertising period.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all those suitably qualified for this position.

Job Profile

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