National Quality Practice Lead at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

19 Mar, 26

Salary

175500.0

Posted On

19 Dec, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Quality Management Systems, Continuous Improvement, Stakeholder Engagement, Quality Assurance Frameworks, Collaboration, Community of Practice, Metrics Development, Expert Guidance, Infrastructure, Engineering, Maintenance, Best Practices, Capability Building, Te Ao Māori, Tikanga, Te Reo Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Location: Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Christchurch, or Dunedin Job Type: 18 month fixed term, Full-Time Lead national quality standards and continuous improvement for NZ’s transport system. Shape and drive best practice across maintenance delivery operations. Collaborate with experts and influence quality outcomes at a national scale. Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity We’re looking for a National Quality Practice Lead to advance quality standards and practices across maintenance delivery operations. In this role, you’ll provide national leadership, expert guidance, and drive continuous improvement to ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes across Waka Kotahi’s maintenance activities. Provide expert guidance on quality management standards and practices to maintenance delivery teams. Collaborate with the Standards and Quality team to develop and refine quality frameworks. Lead strategic engagement with Supplier Quality Leads to drive improvement across the supply chain. Establish and facilitate a Community of Practice for quality professionals. Develop and maintain a national quality performance dashboard with meaningful metrics. Provide dedicated quality assurance support for Northland and Nelson/Tasman regions. Maintain comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge-base content on quality management practices. You will find out more about the role here: Position Description. Ko koe tēnei | About you Demonstrated expertise in quality management systems, methodologies, and best practices within infrastructure, engineering, or maintenance. Proven ability to develop, implement, and evaluate quality assurance frameworks and processes. Substantial experience in building capability through communities of practice or collaborative learning. Comprehensive understanding of continuous improvement methodologies and their practical application. Proven ability to influence and engage stakeholders at various levels without direct authority. Relevant tertiary qualification in engineering, quality management, or related field. Willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori, promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori, and appreciate Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies in the public service. Mō mātou |About Us Te Toki – Transport Services We deliver great outcomes now and make the future a better place. As kaitiaki of the transport system, we work with partners, for people, for our land, and for the future. Our group designs and delivers integrated land transport network improvements, operates the land transport network for moving people and freight, and maintains land transport corridors as a lifeline service. The Maintenance and Operations team keeps the transport system operational, safe, and optimised to meet the needs of all New Zealanders. Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return You’ll join a team that values wellbeing, collaboration, and courage. We offer: A competitive salary and benefits package flexible working arrangements (role dependent) 5 weeks annual leave Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance scheme for all permanent employees. Along with our other benefits, you’ll be part of an organisation that is committed to making a difference for New Zealanders. We are seeking to appoint at a salary between 131,000-175,500 of band commensurate to skills and experience. 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. Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply: Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role. Please note we are on our Christmas break from 23 December 2025 to 12 January 2026. We will respond to your queries as soon as we are back – wishing you a wonderful festive season! Rā Katinga | Applications close: 18 January 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

Lead national quality standards and continuous improvement for New Zealand’s transport system. Collaborate with experts and influence quality outcomes at a national scale.