Principal Project Manager

• Are you ready to lead and deliver transport infrastructure projects that shape the future of New Zealand’s land transport system?
• Permanent opportunity based in Wellington

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking a Principal Project Manager to join our Project Services Team. You’ll play a pivotal role in delivering great journeys for Aotearoa, leading projects through all stages - from business case development to implementation.

In this role, you will:

• Lead multidisciplinary project teams, both internal and external, through planning, procurement, design, and delivery phases.
• Drive best practice and standardisation across project management, supporting capability development and delivery excellence.
• 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, to achieve successful outcomes.
• Ensure projects align with strategic objectives and deliver on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Ō Pūmanawa | What we're looking for

Our ideal candidate will have some or all of the following (don’t worry if you don’t tick every box):

• 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 contract formats.
• Advanced procurement and contract management skills within a corporate and multi-agency context.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Experience in transport design and construction works, infrastructure business case preparation, and stakeholder engagement—including iwi and senior leaders.
• Ability to lead and mentor project teams of technical professionals including those from external organisations.
• Experience influencing outcomes and negotiating with senior leaders and key stakeholders.
• Civil engineering qualification and/or project management experience in the roading/civil engineering sector.
• Professional membership or chartership of a relevant Engineering or Project Management institute (desirable).
• 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 as it applies in the public sector.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $156,458 - $191,300 commensurate to skills and experience.

You can view the position description here.

Mō mātou | About Us

At NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, you’ll 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.

Our benefits include five weeks annual leave, Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees, and a principle-based approach to flexibility. Whether it’s on-the-job experience, courses, coaching, or secondments, you can build a varied and successful career with us.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

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

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz

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.