Job Description

• Senior system leadership role setting asset standards and plans for New Zealand’s state highway and rapid transit assets

• Wellington or Auckland-based leadership opportunity shaping long-term network performance, resilience and value for money

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity 

This role carries responsibility for the stewardship of one of New Zealand's largest and most valuable public asset portfolios. You will shape how NZTA defines, manages and optimises network performance over the long term, lifting asset management maturity and ensuring the best outcomes from every dollar invested in the network.

You will also own the frameworks used to identify, manage and treat asset and network risks, and ensure performance is monitored against agreed levels of service.

As National Manager Asset Ownership, you will provide system leadership for how NZTA manages its transport assets. You will lead the development and implementation of the State Highway Asset Management Plan, network definition, asset standards and quality assurance frameworks that support consistent performance across existing assets and new infrastructure. You will also drive the use of asset intelligence, analytics and digital technologies to strengthen evidence-based decision making, enabling NZTA to better prioritise, plan and optimise investment, maintenance and operational activity across the network.

This is a significant senior leadership role within the Asset & Operations Group Leadership Team. You will set the direction for a smart and balanced approach to asset management, ensuring safety, resilience, performance, cost and risk are optimised across the asset lifecycle. Working closely with the Infrastructure Development & Delivery Group, you will help ensure planning, investment and delivery decisions are integrated and focused on whole-of-life asset performance and long-term network outcomes.

You will play a key role in lifting NZTA's asset management maturity by embedding digital enablement, evidence-led planning and continuous improvement into how we manage one of New Zealand's most valuable public asset portfolios.

Ko koe tēnei | About you 

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Demonstrated senior leadership experience, including the ability to lead through others and turn strategy into clear priorities, plans and outcomes in a large, complex organisation.

• Deep asset management leadership experience, including whole-of-life planning and balancing service levels, risk, resilience, cost and long-term value across a complex asset portfolio.

• A strong understanding of asset management systems, standards, assurance, lifecycle governance, network operations and the wider transport system

• Experience developing and embedding standards, plans, frameworks or performance approaches that improve consistency, safety, resilience and value for money.

• Proven ability to use asset intelligence, condition data, evidence and performance insights to inform investment, maintenance and operational decisions and interventions.

• A track record of building credibility and influencing senior stakeholders, partners and sector groups to deliver joined-up outcomes.

• Tertiary qualifications at postgraduate level in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience.

You'll demonstrate a willingness to understand and engage with Te Ao Māori, support NZTA's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and contribute to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making.

Ko wai mātou | About us

Transport networks that deliver for people, places and New Zealand sit at the heart of our purpose. Within Asset & Operations, we are responsible for the stewardship of New Zealand’s state highway and rapid transit assets, ensuring they perform safely, reliably and sustainably for current and future generations.

You'll join a collaborative and high-performing team focused on lifting delivery excellence, strengthening commercial capability, and shaping better outcomes for the communities we serve.

We also offer:

• Flexible working arrangements

• A commitment to professional development and growth

• An inclusive and supportive team culture

• The opportunity to work on nationally significant infrastructure programmes

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Me pēhea te tuku tono – How to apply:
Please click ‘Apply for this Job’ to upload your CV and cover letter.

You will find a copy of the here

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

21 August 2026

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.