Lead Advisor, Planning & Development
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Auckland, New Zealand · Full Time
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- Experience
- Any
- Salary
- NZD 160,000 – NZD 180,000 / year
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 12 seconds ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Eligibility
- Applicants must have legal right to live and work in New Zealand.
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
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Job description
About the Role
Join New Zealand's leading transport agency as a Lead Advisor within the Infrastructure Development & Delivery group. This permanent full-time position based primarily in Auckland or Wellington offers a hybrid work setup with four days in-office per week, collaborating closely with senior leadership. The salary range for this role is $160,000 to $180,000, depending on skills and experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a trusted advisor to a senior national leader, supporting strategic and operational planning activities.
- Influence planning, development, and execution of major transport projects and programmes across NZTA.
- Act as a central figure in decision-making within Infrastructure Development & Delivery, driving strategic priorities and coordinating critical programmes.
- Lead governance, business performance monitoring, and response coordination for emerging and high-profile issues.
- Prepare executive briefings and support governance forums including Board-level and Ministerial communications.
- Maintain quality oversight of correspondence including official information requests and customer communications.
- Identify and foster collaborative opportunities across NZTA and the broader transport sector.
- Lead special projects and initiatives aligned with organisational goals.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is an experienced senior advisor adept at navigating complex environments and balancing strategy with practical delivery. Political astuteness, exceptional communication, and strong relationship-building skills are essential. A collaborative and customer-focused mindset, coupled with a solid understanding or willingness to learn about Te Ao Māori, te reo Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the public sector, is desirable.
Qualifications and Experience
- Extensive experience in senior advisory roles such as chief of staff or principal advisor in large, complex organisations.
- Proven ability in supporting senior leaders and preparing high-quality executive, Board, and Ministerial materials.
- Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, planning, coordination, and organisational competencies.
- Comfortable managing ambiguity, competing priorities, and fast-paced issues.
- Demonstrated skills in relationship management and influencing outcomes.
About the Infrastructure Development & Delivery Group
This group is integral in formulating and delivering New Zealand's national land transport capital programme, ensuring investments are strategically sound and deliver long-term benefits to communities nationwide.
What We Offer
- A competitive salary and benefits package.
- Flexible work arrangements promoting work-life balance.
- Five weeks of annual leave.
- Income protection and critical illness insurance benefits.
- Opportunities for career development and professional growth.
- An inclusive, supportive team environment.
Additional Information
Applicants must have legal entitlement to live and work in New Zealand. The organisation is committed to equal opportunity and inclusive work environments and welcomes applicants who may require support during recruitment. Applications close on 14 October 2026. Early applications are encouraged as shortlisting may begin upon receipt.