Principal Advisor - Transport

About the Role

At Waikato Regional Council, our initiatives today shape how our transport network connects the region tomorrow. We are looking for a seasoned Principal Advisor-Transport to lead strategically within our Regional Transport Connections directorate. This senior leadership position involves delivering expert advice, influencing strategic direction, coordinating business transformation efforts, and managing complex projects aligned with council priorities.

Working closely with the Director of Regional Transport Connections, this role offers the chance to provide high-level guidance while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high team performance grounded in our organisational values.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate actively with the Director to ensure effective engagement at senior governance and political levels.
• Lead strategic internal engagement to align the directorate’s response to operational and organisational priorities.
• Plan, develop, and implement specialized work programmes and key projects supporting the directorate’s strategic objectives.
• Offer strategic transport and public transport advice to the Director and senior leadership, including on business transformation and organisational change.
• Contribute to planning processes encompassing budgeting, forecasting, and performance measurement and reporting.
• Perform data analysis, modelling, and develop presentations of results.
• Support colleagues in delivering the transport and public transport programmes.
• Lead or participate in cross-directorate projects and oversee external contractors and consultants as needed.
• Ensure timely project delivery within budget while proactively managing risks.

About You

• A confident and proactive professional adept at navigating complex, fast-moving environments.
• Capable of understanding multifaceted issues at a systems level, identifying integrated opportunities linking land-use and transport.
• Skilled in forming and communicating strategic advice to decision-makers.
• A collaborative team player possessing extensive professional networks.
• Experienced in leading and contributing to substantial projects and programmes.
• Familiar with New Zealand’s transport legislation, policy frameworks, and funding structures.

Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary qualifications relevant to transport, policy, business management, or closely related disciplines.
• Proven track record in business planning, performance assessment, and project management.
• Previous work experience within local government.
• Demonstrated success in a senior role within a multidisciplinary organisation, with measurable achievements.

About the Team

• Our leadership team prioritizes cultivating teams with the right resources, skills, and experience to handle diverse technical, operational, customer-focused and people-oriented duties.
• We emphasize strengthening and nurturing a robust organizational culture.
• Maintaining strategic and funding relationships with stakeholders such as the NZ Transport Agency is central to our work.

About Us

• Our mission is to care for the Waikato region ensuring current and future generations enjoy a healthy environment, flourishing economy, and vibrant communities.
• Our diverse work covers the stewardship of the region’s natural resources including water, soil, air, geothermal areas, and coasts.
• Exceptional customer service is at the core of our operations, with all staff contributing to this focus.
• We collaborate with iwi and community partners in collective kaitiakitanga to enhance the Waikato region sustainably.
• Together, we strive to build a sustainable future that positively impacts people’s lives.