Portfolio Controls Specialist

About the Role

Join the Portfolio Definition team at NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) and contribute to the integrity and development of New Zealand's 10-year State Highway infrastructure pipeline. This permanent position, based in either Wellington or Auckland, involves delivering trusted portfolio controls expertise across key areas such as cost, schedule, risk, and benefits to ensure that infrastructure investments and pipeline decisions are founded on precise and reliable data.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accuracy, reliability, and decision readiness of the State Highway infrastructure pipeline.
• Oversee portfolio controls data management for complex infrastructure projects, including detailed project-level controls information.
• Establish and configure programmes and projects within core financial and portfolio/project management systems.
• Support portfolio planning and guide investment decisions within an integrated portfolio definition team environment.
• Deliver expert advice and quality assurance on project and programme data integrity, particularly during key lifecycle decision points such as phase gates.
• Collaborate within a controls community of practice, offering technical expertise to infrastructure delivery controls teams to solve complex challenges.
• Contribute toward portfolio frameworks and engage in continuous improvement efforts.

Candidate Profile

• Experience in PMO, portfolio, programme controls, or project controls roles, preferably supporting large-scale infrastructure, construction, or capital delivery programmes.
• Proficient in financial and portfolio/project management systems like SAP, Planview, or similar.
• Deep understanding of portfolio, programme, and project management frameworks and best practices in controls.
• Advanced analytical capabilities with the aptitude to interpret complex and sometimes incomplete data.
• Strong skills in stakeholder engagement and influencing.
• Excellent planning skills complemented by financial and commercial insight.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and a passion for governance and quality information.
• Preferred educational qualifications include a degree in business, commerce, engineering, or related fields, alongside recognized project or programme management certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, or MSP.

About the Organisation

The Infrastructure Development & Delivery (IDD) division manages the national land transport capital programme for NZTA. The Portfolio Definition team specializes in planning, prioritization, and governance to ensure strategic, evidence-based investment yielding maximum benefit for New Zealand.

Benefits and Additional Information

• Five weeks of annual leave.
• Complimentary Life, Income Protection, and Critical Illness insurance for permanent employees.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Opportunities for career advancement in a large, diverse organization.
• Meaningful work contributing to improving transport outcomes across New Zealand.

Application Details

Applicants should submit a CV along with a cover letter detailing their interest and suitability for the position. Legal entitlement to live and work in New Zealand is required. NZTA is committed to equal opportunity employment, valuing diversity and inclusion, and provides support and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. Applications close on 13 September 2026. Early applications are encouraged as the agency may close recruitment earlier once suitable candidates are identified.