Programme Manager - Transport

About Hamilton City Council

Hamilton City Council is dedicated to making Hamilton an outstanding place to live, work, and play. As one of New Zealand's largest city councils, it serves a growing community by delivering vital services and projects aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of its residents daily.

You will be part of a collaborative and innovative team committed to impactful community work and pursuing excellence to become one of New Zealand's foremost community-focused councils.

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the Head of Portfolio Delivery, the Programme Manager - Transport will lead the execution of key transport infrastructure programmes. This position carries significant leadership responsibility ensuring programmes are effectively planned, executed, risk-managed, and successfully concluded to deliver clear outcomes benefit the community.

The role involves partnering with project teams, business owners, internal experts, and external collaborators including NZTA/Waka Kotahi. You will provide strategic guidance for programme direction, leverage transport sector expertise, and influence complex stakeholder groups.

Key Duties

• Create and maintain comprehensive programme resource plans incorporating internal and external contributors to enable efficient delivery.
• Mentor and develop Project Managers fostering capability growth, consistent project management practices, and accountability for planning, risk, and forecasting.
• Lead project teams with clear goals, responsibility frameworks, and performance metrics.
• Promote continuous improvement and disciplined planning ensuring programme forecasts, risks, dependencies, and benefits are accurately captured and reported.
• Implement programme controls, reporting standards, and assurance procedures to support high-quality data-driven decision-making.
• Oversee the capital programme delivery guaranteeing integration and coordination across multiple projects.
• Monitor programme performance in terms of cost, schedule, risk, and quality metrics, while supporting project managers in operational controls.
• Supervise commercial and contract activities including handling compensations, payment claims, supplier performance, and risk management with commercial team collaboration.
• Manage programme-level change control and escalation, maintaining governance awareness of trends and decision requirements.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 7 years managing transport infrastructure programmes or projects, with familiarity in local government contexts.
• Established professional relationships with NZTA/Waka Kotahi and proficiency navigating central and local government transport funding and delivery frameworks.
• Deep understanding of NZTA funding systems such as the National Land Transport Programme, business case criteria, and funding cycles.
• A proactive and inquisitive mindset that embraces continuous improvement and can work effectively in ambiguous environments.
• Proven leadership capabilities including partnership building and guiding teams through change.
• Track record of successfully leading major transport projects and programmes.
• Ability to innovate while maintaining strategic oversight within operational frameworks.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills enabling effective engagement with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Political awareness and ability to influence elected officials.
• Strong written communication skills and proficiency in producing presentations.
• Experience consulting with cultural and community groups holding vested interests.
• Self-driven with strong anticipation of needs and effective workload management.
• Analytical and problem-solving expertise.
• Competency in financial analysis.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Project Management and/or Civil Engineering.
• Training in Project and Programme Management.
• Project management certification such as PRINCE2 or PMP is preferred but not mandatory.
• Knowledge of Treaty of Waitangi obligations relevant to local and central government.
• Possession of a current full driver’s license.

Additional Information

Salary: Approximately NZD 140,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements balancing wellbeing, team collaboration, and business needs.
• Commitment to professional growth and career development.
• Two wellbeing days annually after one year of service.
• Fully funded Unimed health insurance covering hospital and surgical care, with discounted coverage options for family members.
• Complimentary annual health checks and seasonal flu vaccinations.
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave for flexibility.
• Support for eye care expenses including testing and prescribed glasses.
• Access to a range of local discounts at gyms, cafes, healthcare providers, and retail outlets.

Application Process

Candidates should submit their applications by October 18, 2026. Early submissions are encouraged as shortlisting will begin upon receipt. Applicants may submit a combined resume and cover letter in PDF format or use the message box during the application.

The council upholds the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi through collaborations with local iwi and community stakeholders.

Selection includes interviews, reference verification, criminal background checks, and further relevant screening. Accommodations for access requirements during recruitment are available upon request.

Hamilton City Council fosters an inclusive workplace valuing diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences, ensuring all employees feel welcome and valued.