Senior Project Sponsor

Lead confidence in the delivery of New Zealand's most significant infrastructure investments Provide sponsorship, assurance and oversight across multiple major projects and programmes. Permanent, Full-time. Ideally based in Auckland or Waikato. Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity As our Senior Project Sponsor, you will play a critical role in supporting the successful delivery of some of New Zealand's most significant and complex transport infrastructure investments. Working across major projects and programmes, you will provide sponsorship, governance oversight and assurance on behalf of the Investment Owner, helping ensure projects remain aligned with approved scope, cost, risk and intended outcomes. You will bring an independent perspective to delivery performance, support timely and informed decision-making, and provide confidence to senior leaders and governance forums that investments remain on track. This is not a project delivery role. Rather, you will work alongside Project Directors and delivery teams, providing support, challenge and guidance to help navigate complexity, manage risk and resolve issues before they impact outcomes. You will oversee multiple programmes and projects simultaneously, drawing on your infrastructure experience to identify emerging risks, test assumptions and provide assurance that delivery remains achievable and aligned with investment objectives. Success in this role will require sound judgement, strong relationship management skills and the ability to influence outcomes in complex environments. You will find out more about this role here: Position Description. Ko koe tēnei | About you You are likely an accomplished infrastructure leader holding positions across major infrastructure, capital investment, transport, utilities, energy or complex public-sector programmes with experience operating in environments where governance, delivery confidence and strategic decision-making are critical to success. You will understand the realities of delivering large, complex projects and can apply that experience from a governance and sponsorship perspective. To be successful, you will bring: Significant experience leading or sponsoring complex infrastructure projects and programmes. Strong governance and assurance capability, with an ability to provide oversight and confidence across multiple delivery environments. Sound judgement and decision-making skills, particularly in situations involving uncertainty, risk and competing priorities. The ability to interpret complex commercial, delivery and risk information and translate it into clear, practical advice. Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the confidence to both support and challenge delivery teams where required. Proven experience building credibility and trust with project teams, senior leaders and governance stakeholders. Ko wai mātou | About us At NZTA, it all starts with our people. Infrastructure Development & Delivery leads the development and delivery of New Zealand's national land transport capital programme. We are focused on delivering infrastructure that improves connectivity, resilience, safety and productivity for communities across Aotearoa. We are committed to delivery excellence, commercial leadership and providing lasting value through well-planned and well-executed transport investments. Joining us means becoming part of a leadership team responsible for shaping the future of transport infrastructure and helping deliver projects that will benefit New Zealand for generations to come. Why join us? This is an opportunity to influence nationally significant investments that will shape how New Zealand's communities, businesses and regions connect for generations to come. You will join a leadership team committed to delivery excellence, responsible stewardship of public investment and strengthening confidence in the successful delivery of major infrastructure outcomes. If you are motivated by strategic influence, complex decision-making and the opportunity to help guide some of New Zealand's most important infrastructure investments, we would welcome your application. We also offer: A nationally significant leadership opportunity Flexible working arrangements Career-defining infrastructure programmes A collaborative and high-performing leadership environment Competitive remuneration and benefits package Rā Katinga | Applications close: 17 August 2026 For further information, email: [email protected] 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. Ko wai mātou | About us At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. Waka Kotahi has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years time. #J-18808-Ljbffr