Group General Manager Asset and Operations

Location: Auckland or Wellington

Job Type: Full-Time

• Lead the stewardship, performance and resilience of New Zealand’s most critical transport assets
• Executive leadership role with system‑wide influence and impact
• Shape the future of a nationally significant lifeline asset

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity   

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) plays a vital role in shaping a land transport system that delivers for people, places and Aotearoa New Zealand. We are seeking a Group General Manager – Asset & Operations to join our Executive Leadership Team and lead one of the country’s largest and most consequential public asset portfolios.

This is a new role reporting to the Chief Executive. You will be accountable for the end‑to‑end performance, safety, resilience and long‑term stewardship of the state highway network and associated transport assets, including walking and cycling and mass rapid transit networks as they evolve. You will provide enterprise leadership and technical authority across asset management, network operations and maintenance delivery, setting direction, standards and assurance to ensure the network performs today and is fit for the future.

This role leads a diverse national group, providing effective day-to-day operational delivery and ensuring a consistently high level of network performance and resilience. It also provides oversight and clear direction during major incidents and emergencies, working closely with partners across the system to coordinate response and recovery. The role demands strong commercial and delivery leadership, an unwavering commitment to health, safety and wellbeing, and a system-stewardship approach that ensures that the network provides consistent performance to all of New Zealand.

You can find out more about the role in the Position Description.

Ko koe tēnei | About you   

You will bring:

• Extensive executive leadership experience in large, complex, asset‑intensive or infrastructure environments
• Deep system‑level expertise in asset management, network operations and maintenance delivery, with the ability to operate as a technical authority
• Proven experience providing assurance over asset performance, safety, resilience and risk at executive level
• Strong commercial acumen, including leadership of large‑scale, long‑term service and maintenance contracts
• Demonstrated leadership of standards, frameworks and assurance in complex operational or engineering contexts
• Highly developed stakeholder and sector-leadership capability across government, local authorities, iwi, emergency services and delivery partners  
• A visible and sustained commitment to health, safety, wellbeing and risk leadership

You will also demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to develop an understanding of Te Ao Māori and an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and how these apply within a public service and system‑stewardship context.

Mō mātou |About Us

Our Asset & Operations Group ensures the national transport network performs effectively today and is well positioned for the future. We steward one of the country’s most critical national lifeline services — operating, maintaining and safeguarding transport corridors so people and goods can move safely and reliably, including during major disruptions.

Working in partnership with the sector, iwi and communities, we focus on resilience, value for money and long‑term outcomes that support New Zealand’s social, economic and environmental wellbeing.

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

• A competitive senior executive salary and benefits package
• Five weeks’ annual leave
• Income protection and critical illness insurance (permanent employees)

This is an influential executive role at the heart of New Zealand’s transport system. If you are motivated by scale, complexity and public purpose, we welcome your application.

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:

11 May 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.