Structures Manager

Location: Palmerston North or New Plymouth

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

• Own and optimise a multi-million dollar structures portfolio

• Shape the future of bridges and critical assets across NZ’s highways

• Collaborate with industry leaders and drive strategic investment

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As a Structures Manager, you’ll take charge of the structure’s asset portfolio for your region; ensuring optimal lifecycle management, asset performance, safety compliance, and value for money across the state highway network. You’ll lead contract administration, strategic investment planning, and risk management for bridges and structures, working closely with consultants, contractors, and technical specialists. This is your chance to make a visible impact on the safety, resilience, and future of New Zealand’s transport infrastructure.

Find out more about the role here: position description

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You are a structures or civil engineering professional with:

• Strong experience in structures asset management, lifecycle planning, and programme development

• Proven ability to manage consultants and contractors for maintenance and renewals

• Deep knowledge of bridge/structures engineering, design standards, and maintenance

• Budget management and financial control expertise

• Experience in risk assessment, business case development, and funding applications

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

• Tertiary qualification in civil or structural engineering (or equivalent experience)

• Professional membership with Engineering NZ/SESOC (preferred)

Mō mātou | About Us

At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, we’re committed to delivering great outcomes for New Zealanders—now and for the future. Our Maintenance and Operations team keeps the transport system safe, reliable, and optimised, ensuring people and freight can move efficiently every day. We value collaboration, courage, and wellbeing in everything we do.

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

You’ll join a team that values wellbeing, collaboration, and courage. We offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits package

• Flexible working arrangements (role dependent)

• 5 weeks annual leave

• Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for all permanent employees

• Appointment at a salary between $110,000.00 and $145,000.00, commensurate with skills and experience

• The opportunity to manage budgets up to $10M+ and shape the future of NZ’s critical infrastructure

Along with these benefits, you’ll be part of an organisation that is committed to making a difference for New Zealanders.

Ready to take the next step in your career?

We’d love to hear from you. Apply today and join a team that’s 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.