Project Sponsor

* Influence the decisions that shape New Zealand's largest infrastructure investments * Ideally located in Wellington or Auckland * Permanent, Full-time We are delivering some of the most significant transport infrastructure programmes in New Zealand. These investments are complex, highly visible, and critical to the future of our communities, economy and transport system. Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity As a Project Sponsor, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring these investments remain aligned with their intended outcomes. Acting on behalf of the Investment Owner, you will provide governance leadership, decision accountability, and delivery confidence across major infrastructure projects. This is not a project management role. You won't be responsible for leading delivery teams or managing day-to-day project execution. Instead, you will bring your experience, judgement and governance expertise to challenge assumptions, guide decision-making, address emerging risks and provide confidence that projects remain achievable, affordable and aligned with approved outcomes. You will work closely with Project Directors, Project Managers, contractors and senior stakeholders, providing both support and constructive challenge. Through visible leadership, disciplined oversight and sound judgement, you will help create the conditions for successful project delivery while maintaining confidence among governance forums and decision-makers. Success in this role requires someone who can see the bigger picture while remaining close enough to delivery to identify emerging risks, challenge assumptions, resolve issues, and maintain momentum when stakes are high. Ko koe tēnei | About you You are likely an accomplished Project Director, Programme Director, Senior Responsible Owner, or infrastructure leader who has successfully navigated large, complex and politically sensitive environments and understands what it takes to successfully deliver complex projects while applying that experience from a governance and sponsorship perspective. You will bring: * Significant experience leading major infrastructure or capital investment programmes. * A proven ability to make high-value, high-consequence decisions balancing scope, cost, risk, time and quality. * Strong governance and assurance capability, with a deep understanding of delegated authority, risk tolerance and investment accountability. * Commercial acumen and sound judgement across contracts, disputes, delivery performance and stakeholder interests. * The credibility to influence senior leaders, delivery teams, contractors and governance bodies without relying on formal authority. * Advanced strategic thinking and systems-thinking capability, enabling you to understand interdependencies, anticipate challenges and protect long-term outcomes. * Exceptional communication skills, capable of simplifying complexity and providing confidence to executives, boards and stakeholders. * Experience coaching and challenging senior project leaders to achieve stronger delivery performance. Why join us? This is an opportunity to help shape New Zealand's future through some of the country's most significant infrastructure investments. You'll join a team committed to delivery excellence, responsible stewardship of public investment, and creating lasting benefits for people, places and communities across Aotearoa. Working alongside experienced leaders from across the infrastructure sector, you'll help drive better outcomes, stronger governance and increased confidence in project delivery at a national scale. We also offer: * Flexible working arrangements * A collaborative and high-performing leadership environment * Competitive remuneration 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 out more about this role here: Position Description. Rā Katinga | Applications close: Monday 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.
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.