Readiness and Adoption Lead

The opportunity From time to time, opportunities come up to be part of work that will shape how New Zealand’s transport system is planned, funded and delivered. This is one of those opportunities. As Readiness and Adoption Lead, you will play a key role in supporting the efficient and effective rollout of the Time of Use Charging Programme, ensuring NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and its partners are ready to deliver and operate successfully at go‑live. This is a senior readiness and adoption role with strong visibility across programme governance, strategy, workstreams and statutory partnerships. You will lead the development of a clear, time‑phased readiness roadmap, establish practical frameworks and standards, and provide senior leaders and governance forums with clear insight on readiness, adoption, risks, issues, dependencies and benefits realisation. You will work across business, technology and service delivery teams to build organisational and partner capability, support operational preparedness, and help leaders and sponsors drive adoption within their areas. A significant part of the role will be connecting people around a shared future state, ensuring stakeholders are equipped through engagement, communications, training and enablement planning, and helping turn a complex programme into coordinated, practical delivery. Key responsibilities Lead readiness and adoption for a nationally significant Time of Use Charging programme. Shape how NZTA and its partners prepare across people, process and technology for successful go‑live. Work at senior levels across strategy, delivery, governance, councils and key partners. Provide a 24‑month fixed‑term engagement based in Auckland or Wellington. Salary: $160,000 – $200,000, commensurate with skills and experience. What we’re looking for Experience leading end‑to‑end programme readiness across people, process and technology, translating strategy into clear and executable plans. Proven ability to provide clear, evidence‑based insights on readiness, risk and adoption to senior leaders and governance forums. Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including building trusted relationships with senior leaders, local government, iwi and key partners. Confidence operating in complex and ambiguous environments, managing competing priorities and delivering outcomes under pressure. Experience supporting risk management by assessing impacts, planning appropriate interventions and tracking readiness and adoption progress. A collaborative approach, strong communication skills and the ability to enable leaders, sponsors and cross‑functional teams to move together at pace. A tertiary qualification in engineering, business management, planning, system thinking, public policy or a related discipline, or equivalent experience. A current full driver licence, and ideally public sector experience within local or national government, council or transport agencies. About us At NZTA, our purpose is transport networks that deliver for people, places and New Zealand. In System Leadership, we create strategic clarity so the organisation and the sector can deliver with confidence by connecting across the system, building alignment on direction, supporting others to mobilise for action, and bringing an evidence‑driven, future‑focused voice to decision‑making. Why join us Our people are proud to be part of creating a better New Zealand. We’re looking for people who share our passion for people, communities and the environment, and who are ready to contribute their skills to shape a better future. At NZTA, you will be part of an organisation where different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences are celebrated. We want you to feel like you belong here – valued, respected and empowered to bring your whole self to work. From five weeks annual leave through to life, income protection and critical illness insurance for our permanent employees, you will be well looked after here. Our benefits are designed to support our people and provide a happy, healthy and high‑performing environment. How to apply Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role. Applications close 19 July 2026 To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr