Senior Transport Planner

This position sits within the Infrastructure and Assets Group who from planning to maintenance, are dedicated to delivering resilient infrastructure and services that enrich lives today and ensure a thriving future for our community.

Shape the future of transport in one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities

We are looking for a Senior Transport Planner to play a key role in shaping Hamilton’s transport future. This is a strategic, city-shaping position where you’ll influence how people move across our growing city and region.

Working across major programmes like Access Hamilton / Ara Kootuitui Kirikiriroa and the Hamilton-Waikato Metro Spatial Plan (MSP), you’ll collaborate with partners across local and central government, iwi, and internal teams to deliver integrated, evidence-based transport solutions.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Reporting to the People Manager – Strategy & Planning Specialists, you will provide senior technical expertise and project leadership across multiple transport planning initiatives.

You’ll think strategically and take an integrated approach — linking land use, growth, and transport — to support business case development and long-term outcomes for Hamilton.

This role is also a key connection point between emerging national policy and local implementation, ensuring Hamilton remains future-focused and aligned with regional priorities.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead and contribute to transport planning across multiple projects and programmes
• Provide expert advice on transport strategy, policy, and integrated land use planning
• Support delivery of Access Hamilton / Ara Kootuitui Kirikiriroa and MSP initiatives
• Build strong partnerships with central government, regional partners, iwi, and internal stakeholders
• Represent Council in regional working groups and infrastructure forums
• Influence decision-making through evidence-based analysis and clear communication
• Act as a subject matter expert, supporting strategic planning and Council-wide outcomes
• Contribute to procurement and management of consultancy services
• Engage with the community and stakeholders to translate complex information into clear insights
• Interfacing at a technical level with Future Proof partners

Why join us?

At Hamilton City Council, our purpose is to improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians. You’ll be part of a team working on some of the region’s most significant growth and infrastructure challenges — helping create a more connected, sustainable, and accessible city.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a highly influential role with strong regional visibility and impact.

If you are ready to help shape Hamilton’s future and contribute to transformational projects, we’d love to hear from you.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

Experience & expertise

• 8+ years’ experience in transport planning or a related field
• Relevant tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience)
• Strong capability in:
  • Integrated transport planning and strategy
  • Policy development
  • Project delivery
  • Stakeholder engagement
• Experience working with complex data, modelling outputs, or transport simulations
• Understanding of procurement processes and consultancy management
• Working knowledge of GIS tools and standard business systems

Key attributes

• Strategic mindset with the ability to connect big-picture outcomes to delivery
• Strong relationship builder with experience working across multiple stakeholders
• Political awareness and confidence to navigate complex environments
• Ability to influence and bring others on the journey
• Collaborative team player who can also lead initiatives when required
• Passion for city shaping and transport transformation
• Innovative and adaptable, with a strong evidence-based approach

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa $135,000 dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the Position Description
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 12 July 2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.