Lead Advisor

Are you a seasoned professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment to provide trusted advice and outputs which support effective delivery of complex projects and programmes of work that require you to connect across multiple teams and stakeholders.

This could be the role for you.

We're looking for a hands-on, highly experienced Lead Advisor who thrives in operational settings and can make an immediate impact. This is a delivery-focused position where your expertise will help shape and drive multi-billion-dollar transport outcomes across New Zealand.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This role provides high-quality strategic and operational advice to the National Manager, Infrastructure Delivery. You'll be a key member of the Infrastructure Delivery Leadership Team (IDLT), providing thought leadership and supporting delivery excellence across five regions and multiple stakeholder groups.

We're looking for someone with exceptional advisory skills, commercial acumen, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to work across public and private sector environments in a complex matrix environment.

Key Accountabilities include:

• Act as a trusted advisor to the National Manager, Infrastructure Delivery, providing high-quality advice across a wide range of delivery issues

• Lead the preparation of robust, timely advice for NZTA and Ministerial decision-makers, including the NZTA Board

• Support performance, resource, and change management initiatives that enable high-performing teams

• Proactively identify and manage delivery risks and opportunities, driving business improvements aligned with NZTA strategy

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support delivery outcomes

• Provide intellectual leadership and analysis of complex issues

​You will find out more about the role here: position description.

About you | Ko koe tēnei

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Minimum 15 years of experience in advisory roles or programme management and delivery roles

• Strong written and oral communication skills, including extensive experience preparing a wide range of written outputs, including reports, briefings and presentations

• Proven ability to work in complex, fast-paced environments and deliver results, adept at prioritisation and workflow management

• Experience in both public and private sector settings is welcome - we value diverse perspectives

• Strong commercial acumen

• A hands-on approach to delivery excellence and providing high quality outputs, with experience successfully identifying and driving delivery improvements

• Relevant tertiary qualifications.

About us | Ko wai mātou

The Infrastructure Delivery team manages the detailed design and delivery of state highway infrastructure projects across New Zealand within agreed budgets and timeframes. We are focused on delivering transport outcomes that matter for current and future generations of New Zealanders.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return

Join a team that values diversity, inclusion, and professional growth.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Flexible working arrangements

• 5 weeks annual leave and an Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance scheme available for all permanent employees.

Ready to take the next step in your career? We'd love to hear from you. Apply today and join our team who is going places.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.

We'll be reviewing applications as they come in and progressing candidates throughout the process and may withdraw the advertisement ahead of the closing date - so don't wait Apply now to ensure you're considered early.

For further information, email:

Rā Katinga | Applications close: 11:59pm, Monday 20 October 2025

For further information, email:

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

NZTA| Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.