Strategic Lead, Transport Planning & Development

New Zealand Transport Agency; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Five weeks annual leave

Income protection & critical illness

Job summary

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is seeking a Lead Advisor, Planning & Development to shape New Zealand’s transport strategy from a central position within Infrastructure Development & Delivery. You will report to the National Manager Planning & Development and act as a trusted advisor across a high-profile portfolio, balancing strategic guidance with delivery responsibilities.

Success requires senior advisory experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to influence through

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior advisory, chief of staff, principal advisor or similar role.
• Experience supporting senior leaders in a large, complex organisation.
• Outstanding written communication skills, including experience preparing executive or ministerial material.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capability.
• Exceptional planning, coordination and organisational skills.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational support to the National Manager Planning & Development.
• Lead planning, governance and business performance activities.
• Coordinate responses to emerging, sensitive and high-priority issues.
• Support the development of Board, Ministerial and executive-level communications.
• Ensure quality of correspondence and customer responses.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen collaboration across NZTA and the wider transport sector.
• Lead special projects and strategic initiatives that support organisational objectives.

Skills

Senior advisory

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Governance & communications

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in public administration or related field

Job description

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is seeking a Lead Advisor, Planning & Development to shape New Zealand’s transport strategy from a central position within Infrastructure Development & Delivery. You will report to the National Manager Planning & Development and act as a trusted advisor across a high-profile portfolio, balancing strategic guidance with delivery responsibilities.

Success requires senior advisory experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to influence through