Manager Change Integration and Business Readiness

Role Overview

This leadership position focuses on overseeing the successful integration and readiness of multiple strategic change projects within the Customer & Services Business Group at NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi). Rather than managing isolated projects, this role requires an enterprise-wide perspective that ensures the organization is equipped to adopt, sustain, and realize benefits from concurrent initiatives. This enduring role is embedded within the operational rhythm of the business and appeals to those passionate about long-term change adoption and organizational effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Change & Business Readiness function for the Customer & Services division.
• Maintain a comprehensive, integrated perspective on change demands, organizational capacity, priorities, and the scheduling of implementation.
• Evaluate and prioritize business impacts arising from multiple ongoing programs and projects.
• Coordinate readiness activities spanning customers, personnel, processes, technology, policies, risks, reporting, and service delivery.
• Ensure appropriate engagement of operational, customer, communications, training, policy, and Subject Matter Experts at the correct stages.
• Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership regarding readiness, capacity, risks tied to implementation, and adoption progress.
• Govern readiness initiatives to guarantee changes are effectively embedded into daily operations.
• Monitor the adoption of changes and assess benefits realization to confirm sustainable outcomes.

Candidate Profile

• Proven track record in managing portfolios of multiple overlapping change initiatives of varying scope and complexity.
• Successful leadership experience in business readiness, organizational change, or operational integration within large, complex entities.
• Ability to assess collective operational impacts across front-line functions, systems, policies, reporting, risk management, and resource allocation.
• Strong strategic thinking aptitude with the capability to influence senior stakeholders and challenge priorities when organizational capacity constraints are evident.
• Experience working closely with customer-focused environments, understanding frontline realities and service delivery impacts.
• Exceptional skills in stakeholder engagement and maintaining productive relationships.
• Expertise in developing readiness frameworks, governance models, and adoption metrics to embed durable change.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in building and nurturing high-performing teams.
• Willingness to develop knowledge and appreciation of Te Ao Māori (Māori world view), Te Reo Māori, tikanga, and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi within public service contexts.

About Us

The Customer & Services group is committed to delivering excellent transactional products and services through operational excellence, greatly enhancing customer experiences in New Zealand’s land transport system. The Change & Business Readiness team supports these efforts by managing readiness and integration activities, enabling smooth adaptation and embedding of changes across the function.

Benefits and Perks

• Flexible working arrangements depending on role requirements.
• Five weeks of annual leave.
• Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance available for permanent staff.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and career advancement.
• A collaborative, values-led workplace influencing significant national projects.

Additional Information

The salary range for this position is from 190,000 to 225,000 NZD annually, dependent on skills and experience. Applicants must have legal eligibility to live and work in New Zealand. The organization is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applicants who may require support during recruitment.

Applications close on 2 September 2026. Early applications are encouraged as recruitment may conclude prior to closing date.