Lead Advisor

Full Job Description

Help shape the future of New Zealand's transport infrastructureLocation: Auckland or Wellington preferred (some flexibility for the right candidate)Type: Permanent, Full TimeHybrid: Collaborate closely with senior leaders through a 4-day in-office work patternSalary: $160,000 - $180,000 + benefits (dependent on skills and experience) Play a trusted advisory role to a senior national leaderInfluence significant transport project and programme planning, development and delivery across NZTAWork at the centre of decision-making within Infrastructure Development & DeliveryTe Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunityThis is a rare opportunity to join NZTA's Infrastructure Development & Delivery business group as Lead Advisor, Planning & Development. Reporting directly to the National Manager Planning & Development, you'll be a strategic partner, trusted advisor and key integrator across a diverse and high-profile portfolio. You'll operate at the heart of the function, helping drive strategic priorities, coordinate critical work programmes, and ensure the team is positioned to deliver long-term value for New Zealand. No two days will be the same. One day you could be providing strategic advice on emerging issues, leading business planning activities, or coordinating responses on complex matters. The next, you'll be preparing executive briefings, supporting governance forums, or helping shape organisational priorities across NZTA. Success in this role requires someone who can comfortably move between big-picture thinking and practical delivery, building strong relationships, creating clarity in complexity, and influencing outcomes across a wide range of stakeholders.Key areas of focus include: Providing strategic and operational support to the National Manager Planning & DevelopmentLeading planning, governance and business performance activitiesCoordinating responses to emerging, sensitive and high-priority issuesSupporting the development of Board, Ministerial and executive-level communicationsEnsuring the quality of correspondence, including customer responses and OIAsIdentifying opportunities to strengthen collaboration across NZTA and the wider transport sectorLeading special projects and strategic initiatives that support organisational objectives.Ko koe t&#275nei | About youYou're an experienced senior advisor who thrives in complex environments and enjoys working at the intersection of strategy, governance, planning and delivery. You are politically astute, highly credible and able to quickly build trusted relationships across a range of stakeholders. You bring strong judgement, exceptional communication skills and the confidence to provide advice and challenge when required. To be successful, you'll bring:Significant experience in a senior advisory, chief of staff, principal advisor or similar roleExperience supporting senior leaders in a large, complex organisationOutstanding written communication skills, including experience preparing executive, Board or Ministerial-level materialStrong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilityExceptional planning, coordination and organisational skillsThe ability to navigate ambiguity, competing priorities and fast-moving issuesProven relationship management and influencing skillsA collaborative, customer-focused approach with a strong focus on outcomesKnowledge of, or willingness to develop an understanding of, Te Ao M&#257ori, te reo M&#257ori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi within the public sector context.M&#333 m&#257tou | About Infrastructure Development & DeliveryInfrastructure Development & Delivery (IDD) is responsible for developing and delivering New Zealand's national land transport capital programme. From early planning and solution development through to delivery, IDD plays a critical role in ensuring transport investments are well-defined, well-managed and deliver lasting benefits for New Zealand communities. Our Planning & Development team provides the strategic direction, advice and coordination that helps shape future investment decisions, supports delivery excellence, and ensures our programmes are aligned to NZTA's long-term priorities.Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What we offerAt NZTA, you'll join a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation where your work contributes directly to the future of New Zealand's transport system. We offer:Competitive salary and benefits packageFlexible working arrangementsFive weeks annual leaveIncome Protection and Critical Illness InsuranceCareer development and growth opportunitiesA supportive and inclusive team cultureReady to make an impact?If you're looking for a role where you can influence decisions, shape priorities and work alongside senior leaders on matters of national significance, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now with your CV and a cover letter outlining what attracts you to this opportunity and the experience you would bring to the role. You can find out more about the role here: Position Description R&#257 Katinga | Applications close: 11.00pm, Wednesday 14 October 2026For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nzTo 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.

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