Principal Consultant Emerging Talent

Drive and own our graduate and intern programmes - key initiatives for building the future success of NZTA

Manage a small team to deliver a great experience for emerging professionals

Permanent opportunity based in Auckland or Wellington with flexible working available

Are you passionate about developing emerging talent and building strong, future-focused talent pipelines? NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is seeking a Principal Consultant Emerging Talent to lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of our best-in-class emerging talent programmes.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

You'll be responsible for shaping and delivering innovative programmes that attract, develop, and retain top emerging talent, ensuring NZTA's workforce is ready for the challenges of tomorrow. You'll work closely with internal and external partners, lead a small team, and manage significant projects—including the creation of an Emerging Professionals Alumni group and cross-sector secondment initiatives.

Key responsibilities :

Lead the design and delivery of Emerging Talent Programmes (e.g., Emerging Professional Programmes, Internships, Alumni)

Ensure programmes are inclusive, scalable, and aligned with business needs

Build and manage strong internal and external relationships

Oversee project planning, risk management, and budget performance

Continuously review and improve programmes using data-driven insights

Partner with Talent Acquisition to establish NZTA's brand in the market

Manage and develop a team of advisors and emerging professionals

A copy of the position description can be found

here

O Pumanawa | What we're looking for

To be successful in this role, you will bring a depth of experience and expertise across key areas of talent management, including :

Expertise in designing and delivering talent solutions and organisational development initiatives

Proven experience leading and influencing across diverse stakeholders

Strong project management skills

Advanced communication, coaching, and stakeholder management abilities

Experience managing teams and competing priorities in complex environments

A degree in Human Resources, Organisational Development, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Commitment to Te Ao Maori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and inclusive leadership

Mo matou | About Us

Pumanawa Tangata - People and

Safety

The purpose of our group is

to : Provide

modern, fit for purpose people and safety related systems, processes, and services for NZTA, as an enabler of capabilities needed now, and in the future, so we can make better business decisions, deliver all our functions and achieve our strategy.

Lead

the strategic priority of making a step change in culture and

leadership.

Team

Purpose

To create and deliver a best-in-class graduate development programme which acquires, develops, retains and deploys top emerging talent which meets current and future workforce needs.

He aha te take e uru ai koe ki a matou? | So, why join us?

Our people are proud to be part of creating a better New Zealand. We're searching for candidates who share our passion for people, communities, and the environment—and who are ready to contribute their unique skills to shape a better future.

At NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, you'll be part of an organisation where the different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences of our people are celebrated. We want you to feel like you belong here – valued, respected, and empowered to bring your whole self to work.

We offer a great range of benefits to support your wellbeing and career growth — from five weeks' annual leave to Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees. Our flexible working approach is principle-based, allowing you and your People Leader to agree on what works best for you, your team and the organisation. Whether it's on-the-job learning, formal courses, coaching, or secondments, you'll have plenty of opportunities to grow your career and realise your potential at NZTA.

If you're passionate about shaping future talent, thrive in strategic collaboration, and enjoy driving impactful workforce solutions, we'd love to hear from you.

Me pehea te tuku tono | How to apply :

Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Ra Katinga | Applications close :

2 November

For further information, email :

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.