Principal Project Manager

1w1 week ago

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Wellington, NZ · Full-time · NZ$170,000 – NZ$190,000

About this role

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi seeks a Principal Project Manager for the Project Services Team. Lead transport infrastructure projects shaping New Zealand’s land transport system. Guide initiatives from business case development through to implementation for great journeys across Aotearoa.

Lead multidisciplinary teams, internal and external, through planning, procurement, design, and delivery phases. Drive best practice and standardisation in project management. Oversee governance, financial monitoring, and contract management to ensure excellence.

Collaborate with key stakeholders including iwi partners, government agencies, and industry bodies. Mentor and support project management capability organisation-wide. Ensure projects align with strategic objectives, delivering on time, within budget, and to highest quality standards.

Join an organisation celebrating diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. Benefit from five weeks annual leave, insurance coverage, and flexible working. Build a varied career through on-the-job experience, courses, coaching, and secondments.

Requirements

10+ years’ experience in project/programme management including financial and risk management on large, complex infrastructure projects
Proven experience managing contracts in road transport or civil construction with knowledge of NZS3910, NZS3916, and CCCS
Advanced procurement and contract management skills within a corporate and multi-agency context
Experience in transport design and construction works, infrastructure business case preparation, and stakeholder engagement
Ability to lead and mentor project teams of technical professionals including those from external organisations
Civil engineering qualification and/or project management experience in the roading/civil engineering sector
Current and valid New Zealand driver’s license
Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, Te Ao Māori, tikanga, Te Reo Māori, and the Treaty of Waitangi

Responsibilities

Lead multidisciplinary project teams through planning, procurement, design, and delivery phases
Drive best practice and standardisation across project management
Mentor and support project management capability across the organisation
Oversee governance, financial monitoring, and contract management for infrastructure projects
Collaborate with key stakeholders including iwi partners, government agencies, and industry bodies
Ensure projects align with strategic objectives and deliver on time, within budget, and to highest quality standards