Activities Manager - Transport

Why join us?

Make a Difference : Contribute to the development of Palmerston North City while enjoying a fulfilling career that positively impacts our community

Professional Growth : Elevate your career through a range of Learning and Development opportunities at Palmerston North City Council.

Benefits : We do more than just pay you a salary too.

We have awesome benefits to support you including 5 weeks annual leave and hybrid working.

About the role

We are seeking a highly experienced transport professional and people leader to join our Infrastructure Group as the Activities Manager – Transport.

This pivotal leadership role oversees the strategic management and delivery of Council's transport activities, including roading, cycling, pedestrian, and public transport infrastructure, ensuring that our city's transport network meets community needs and supports growth.

You'll lead a team of nine technical and professional staff, driving excellence in programme development, service delivery, activity management, and policy development.

Working collaboratively across the organisation and with external partners such as NZTA, you will help shape Palmerston North's transport future by ensuring our infrastructure programmes are well-planned, sustainable, and effectively delivered.

This is a full-time role, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Your focus in this role will include :

Providing strategic and operational leadership for the Transport Team.

Managing Council's transport and roading infrastructure services to meet agreed levels of service within approved budgets.

Leading transport activity planning, policy development, and lifecycle management within the Long Term Plan.

Building strong partnerships with NZTA, contractors, consultants, and community stakeholders.

Driving best practice in health and safety, risk management, and performance.

About you

You're a proven leader with deep technical expertise in transport or traffic engineering and the ability to inspire and manage multidisciplinary teams.

You combine strategic thinking with a results-driven mindset and have a passion for delivering safe, sustainable, and connected transport systems for our community.

To be successful in this role you will have :

A degree-level qualification (or higher) in Transport or Traffic Engineering or a similar discipline.

At least 10 years' experience in transport or traffic engineering, including 3+ years in leadership and contract management.

Strong project management and financial skills, including experience delivering complex infrastructure programmes.

Excellent communication, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Proven ability to align operations with long-term strategic objectives.

About us

Palmerston North (or as we like to call it, Palmy) is a growing, innovative and exciting city.

With small city benefits and big city ambition, Palmy has secured its place on the map as a creative and exciting city, with leading innovation and developments!

We're proud to be a city that includes, supports, connects and uses the talents of the whole community in our pursuit to provide a connected and safe community.

We're also a future-focused city who cares about enhancing our natural and built environment.

Our future looks bright, it looks vibrant and progressive.

What we offer :

Competitive salary between $134,899 and $158,705, plus a 3% Kiwisaver employer contribution (where eligible)

5 weeks annual leave and a community service day

Long service leave after qualifying periods

Paid parental leave benefits

Supportive work environment that values work-life balance

Annual flu vaccinations and subsidised health and eye checks

Onsite café, staff gym and wellness space

Study leave, professional memberships, and fees support

The opportunity to make a real difference in the future of a vibrant, growing city

Applications close :

• pm, Tuesday 28 October

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all those suitably qualified for this position.

#J-