Commercial Transport Portfolio Manager

• Lead national strategies to improve commercial transport safety and compliance.

• Build influential relationships across government, industry, and regulatory partners.

• Shape the future of commercial transport regulation in Aotearoa.

• Location: Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch
   

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As the Commercial Transport Portfolio Manager, you will play a strategic leadership role within the Regulatory Group, shaping and delivering targeted strategies that improve safety and reduce regulatory non-compliance across New Zealand’s commercial transport sectors. You’ll work closely with the Head of Commercial Transport Regulation to ensure our regulatory approach is risk-informed, future-focused, and aligned with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s (NZTA) overarching strategy.
 

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of sector-wide initiatives to extend safety performance beyond compliance.

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with senior stakeholders across government, industry, and regulatory partners.

• Represent NZTA as a spokesperson and participate in industry forums and events.

• Collaborate across NZTA and with external partners to deliver joined-up regulatory outcomes.

• Translate regulatory strategy into actionable programmes that support measurable improvements in safety and compliance.

• Resolve complex issues where operational reality and regulatory requirements intersect.

You will find out more about the role here.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

To be successful in this role you will need to bring:

• Proven ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with senior stakeholders, influencing outcomes for improved safety and compliance.

• Demonstrated strategic thinking and system-level insight, with the ability to translate regulatory strategy into actionable programmes.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to convey complex regulatory and operational issues clearly and persuasively.

• Experience influencing and building credibility across diverse stakeholder groups in a complex operating environment.

• Significant experience in a senior leadership or advisory role within a regulatory, transport, or similarly complex system.

• In-depth understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements for New Zealand’s land transport system, especially commercial transport operations and safety.

• Formal training or certification in regulatory practice, transport safety, or public sector leadership is desirable.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public service.

Mō mātou | About Us

Te Rōpū Waeture – Regulatory

Our group ensures the land transport system is safe by providing oversight of regulatory interventions, informing relevant and responsive regulation, and ensuring effective compliance monitoring and management.

The Commercial Transport Regulation team provides effective and efficient regulation of licensed commercial transport operators to improve safety and ensure risks are actively managed. We deliver this through licensing, compliance monitoring, and regulatory response, using an intelligence-led and risk-based approach.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return

At NZTA, you’ll join a team committed to making a real difference for Aotearoa. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Flexible working arrangements, including remote/hybrid options (role dependent).

• 5 weeks annual leave and an Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance scheme for all permanent employees.

• A culture that values diversity, inclusion, and the wellbeing of our people.

Ready to take the next step in your career? We’d love to hear from you. Apply today and join our team who is going places.

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: [email protected]

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.