Commercial Delivery Lead

• Lead the design and implementation of best practice commercial management across significant projects
• Driving the best commercial outcomes for our organisation while overseeing the risk profiles across the projects
• Permanent position. Based in Wellington.

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is a key delivery agency for a pipeline of major infrastructure projects. This includes Roads of National Significance (RoNS); vital state highway projects that will drive economic growth and productivity through faster, more efficient transport connections that reduce travel times and create a safer, more resilient roading network.

Growing our internal Commercial capacity and capability is paramount in support of this. The range of diverse and complex projects means we are seeking commercially experienced professionals to lead and partner with our Project teams and be responsible for driving the best commercial outcomes for our organisation while overseeing the risk profiles across the projects.

The opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

As our Commercial Delivery Lead, you will:

• be an embedded Commercial Manager who will lead the design and implementation of best practice commercial management on significant projects/programmes
• be a senior leader within the project team with key focus areas of:

• lead commercial workstreams and provide direction and leadership to plan, establish and manage delivery of the Pre-Implementation and Implementation phases.
• develop and manage the overall programme commercial strategies including procurement, risk and contingency management, value engineering and economic efficiency, supply chain development, and benefit realisation.
• ensure the commercial success of the programme including achievement of required scope and cost whilst ensuring delivery of value for money outcomes.

View the position description here.

Appointment salary is between $222,443 - $271,875 commensurate to skills and experience.  Along with our other benefits, we offer 5 weeks annual leave, and a Life, Income Protection and Critical-illness Insurance scheme available for all permanent employees.

About you | Ko wai koe

This is a senior leadership role that requires experienced Commercial leadership with proven people skills who are capable of building and sustaining high performance in a complex and fluid setting at pace, and collaborating with senior leaders, industry and local government/community and iwi stakeholders.

In addition, you will bring:

• Extensive commercial/contractual experience within complex civil infrastructure project delivery and governance
• Strong commercial acumen and taking the lead in highly complex, strategic commercial environments involving multiple objectives and diverse stakeholders in a fast changing, matrix environment
• Experience providing leadership across investment capabilities encompassing economics, procurement, funding, finance and business case functions
• Ability to foresee and navigate through complex supplier initiated commercial strategies and tactics.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of risk identification, analysis and quantification
• Proven experience in contract negotiation and dispute resolution
• Exceptional communication skills, a capable negotiator and influencer with the ability to present compelling reports and recommendations for a variety of audiences.
• High volume contract management environment and working with NZ3910 and Alliance contracts, or the international equivalent.

This is an opportunity for you to make tangible impacts across transport projects and programmes of work by creating efficiencies and developing NZTA commercial acumen and ensuring better delivery outcomes for Aotearoa.

We are interested to hear from commercial gurus looking for their next career opportunity, and who know what it means to deliver great commercial outcomes.

About us | Ko wai mātou

The Transport Services Group is responsible for the policy, planning, design, delivery and maintenance of transport system operations and improvements. With a focus on developing an integrated multimodal transport system, Transport Services works alongside local and central government partners to ensure optimal investment that delivers the best long-term transport outcomes.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

26 January 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.