Practice Lead Safety System Design

Location :

Wellington, Auckland, or Christchurch preferred

Job Type : Full-Time

Imagine leading a team whose work directly shapes the safety of every journey across Aotearoa. As our Practice Lead Safety, you'll be at the heart of transforming New Zealand's transport system—championing innovation, driving best practice, and making a real difference for communities nationwide.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We're

looking for a

Practice Lead Safety

(Engineering)

to build and lead a high-performing team of transport safety engineering professionals. In this role,

you'll

champion

transport

safety engineering excellence, drive innovation, and deliver impactful solutions that support NZTA's vision for a thriving, connected Aotearoa.

This is your chance to :

Build and inspire a high-performing team of

transport

safety engineering professionals, united by a shared purpose.

Lead a centre of excellence,

ensuring the delivery of

transport safety outcomes on the ground across Aotearoa New Zealand

Collaborate with passionate experts and partners, bringing bold ideas to life and delivering solutions that matter.

Every day, your leadership will help ensure that people get home safely, and that our transport system is future-ready, sustainable, and world-class.

You will find out more about the role here :

Position Description.

Ko koe tenei | About you

You are an inspiring and strategic leader, passionate about making a tangible difference in transport safety and empowering others to excel. Bringing your collaborative spirit, vision, and commitment to continuous improvement, you will contribute :

Demonstrated experience building and leading high-performing teams

Proven ability to develop team members and implement professional development pathways

Experience leading change and building credibility across diverse stakeholders

Experience driving delivery across a complex national programme of work

Strong influencing, communication, and relationship-building skills

Ideally you will also bring :

A tertiary qualification in transport engineering or transport planning or equivalent experience desirable

Expertise

in

transport

safety engineering

Strong understanding of the New Zealand land transport system and relevant legislation.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Maori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Maori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public service.

Mo matou | About Us

Transport Services – System Design

We deliver great outcomes now and make the future a better place. As kaitiaki of the transport system, we

work in partnership to design and deliver integrated land transport network improvements, enhance system performance, and put people and communities at the centre of our solutions. Our System Design team brings transport ambitions to life by designing it right from the start, ensuring choice, safety, and sustainability.

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

At NZTA Waka Kotahi, you'll join a passionate, values-driven team making a real impact for Aotearoa. We offer :

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Flexible working arrangements, including remote / hybrid options (role dependent).

5 weeks annual leave, plus Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for all permanent employees.

A culture that values diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between

• % of band unless otherwise agreed, commensurate to skills and experience.

Ready to take the next step in your career? We'd love to hear from you. Apply today and join our team who

is going places.

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 :

13 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.