Lead Advisor - Auckland Transport Operation Centre at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

09 Jun, 26

Salary

150000.0

Posted On

11 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic Leadership, Operating Model Design, Organisational Capability, Performance Management, KPIs, SLAs, Data Analysis, Governance Planning, Investment Papers, Options Analysis, Portfolio Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Capability Uplift, Risk Management, Compliance, Incident Management

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Contribute to strategy while staying close to real-time operational activity Work in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same Permanent position – Based in Auckland (Takapuna) A key role ensuring ATOC delivers trusted, efficient, and high-quality services for customers and partners across the transport network. Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity Auckland Transport Operation Centre (ATOC) is a joint venture between Auckland Transport and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), working behind the scenes to keep people and freight moving. Our team leads the planning and delivery of ATOC’s response to a diverse range of events and activities, ensuring anyone who uses the transport network has a safe and efficient journey. We’re looking for a Lead Advisor to provide strategic leadership across ATOC. In this role, you’ll help shape the operating model, strengthen organisational capability, and ensure we’re future‑ready in a complex, fast-moving environment. This is a senior advisory role sitting close to decision-making. You’ll work directly with the TOC Manager, senior leaders, and national and regional partners - helping turn strategy into clear plans that deliver real, measurable improvements for customers and the transport system. You will also: Provide high-quality strategic advice on organisational priorities, performance, and future needs Shape and uplift ATOC’s operating model, service frameworks, and planning systems Lead our performance framework (KPIs, SLAs, insights) to drive continuous improvement Translate operational data and incident trends into executive-ready insights and recommendations Lead governance and assurance planning, including investment papers, options analysis, and reviews Manage the TOC improvement portfolio to maximise value and minimise operational disruption Lead strategic stakeholder engagement across councils, CCOs, government agencies, and industry partners Support capability uplift and drive a culture of learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement Provide strategic leadership for risk and compliance, managing forward‑looking risks and supporting business continuity and emergency management. Contribute as a CIMS/IMT member, supporting readiness activities, incident management, and continuous improvement through lessons learned. View the Position Description. Appointment salary is between $135,000 - $150,000 commensurate to skills and experience Ko koe tēnei | About you You’ll thrive here if you enjoy shaping strategy, improving systems, and helping people do their best work. You’ll bring: Proven experience in transport operations, TOCs, customer information, or complex service environments Ability to translate strategy into actionable roadmaps and delivery plans Strong performance management and analytical capabilities Experience developing governance papers, options assessments, business cases, and assurance processes Exceptional communication skill - clear, concise, and influential with both technical and executive audiences Strength working with diverse stakeholders and aligning interests across complex systems Practical experience in process improvement, operating model design, or organisational uplift Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or certifications (transport, engineering, planning, technology, service management, portfolio/programme management, data/AI) are desirable. A current driver’s licence is required. Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return At NZTA, you’ll join a team that values collaboration, courage, and delivering great outcomes for Aotearoa. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive, inclusive culture. Along with our other benefits, we also have 5 weeks annual leave and a Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance scheme available for all permanent employees. Ready to take the next step in your career? We’d love to hear from you. Apply today and join our team who is going places. Rā Katinga | Applications close: 23 March 2026 For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz 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. Ko wai mātou | About us At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. Waka Kotahi 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 ten years time.

Responsibilities

This senior advisory role involves providing strategic leadership across the Auckland Transport Operation Centre (ATOC), shaping its operating model, and strengthening organizational capability to ensure future readiness. Key duties include providing high-quality strategic advice, leading the performance framework, translating operational data into executive insights, and managing governance and improvement portfolios.