Senior Project Manager at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

13 Jul, 26

Salary

130000.0

Posted On

14 Apr, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Project management, Infrastructure project delivery, Stakeholder management, Risk management, Financial management, Contract management, Leadership, Negotiation, Influencing, Business case development, Iwi relationship management, Civil engineering, NZS3910 contracts, NZS3916 contracts, Strategic planning

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Contribute your technical leadership across significant projects that will deliver tangible benefits for the wider community Seeking at least 5 years project management experience with solid exposure within complex construction or infrastructural project environments Permanent opportunity based in either Central North Island, Waikato, BOP or Wellington (note this role requires regular travel across the Central North Island) 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 contribute 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 lead projects through various stages which could include investment case development, planning, procurement and detailed design required. This will require leading a project team of internal and / or external professional people. This role will require regular travel, generally 2-4 days a week depending on business requirements and where you are located. The role will involve work on Projects across the central North Island, and flexibility and willingness to travel is a must. Ko koe tēnei | About you Our successful Senior Project Manager will bring: Experience in project management, including scope, 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 Proven experience managing multiple stakeholders during pre-implementation phase is essential A collaborative and team focussed approach to project development Exceptional relationship management skills and good understanding of iwi relationship management experience is essential 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 Experience in managing contracts within the civil engineering industry and an understanding of delivery models using NZS3910 and NZS3916 format contracts is preferred. We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $110,000 - $130,000 commensurate to 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 directly 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 other benefits we also have 5 weeks annual leave and an Income Protection and Critical illness Insurance scheme available for all permanent employees. 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: 26 April 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

The Senior Project Manager will lead transport infrastructure projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and safety standards. They will manage internal and external project teams, foster stakeholder relationships, and oversee procurement and design phases.