Programme Delivery Director

• Lead multiple large-scale, complex programmes of work that shape the future of New Zealand's land transport regulatory system.

• Influence strategic decisions and engage with senior leaders across government, regulatory agencies and industry.  

• Drive meaningful change in a high-profile leadership role with significant system-wide impact.  

Join us to lead nationally significant regulatory transformation that delivers lasting outcomes for New Zealand and improves the performance of the land transport regulatory system.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As Programme Delivery Director, you will lead the design, integration and delivery of complex regulatory change programmes that span multiple business areas, systems and agencies.  Reporting to the Head of Regulatory Design and Enablement, you will translate strategic direction into a clear, prioritised pipeline of change, ensuring programmes are aligned, integrated and delivering lasting value for New Zealand's land transport system.  

Operating at a system level, you will provide end-to-end oversight across programme delivery, governance, assurance, benefits realisation and interdependencies. This is a highly influential senior leadership role requiring the ability to engage confidently with organisational leaders, governance forums, government agencies and external partners to navigate complexity, drive alignment and achieve outcomes.

Key responsibilities in the role will include:

• Leading and holding accountability for the end-to-end delivery of complex, multi-year programmes across regulatory, operational, digital and policy environments.  

• Translating strategic intent into integrated and deliverable programmes of work.  

• Establishing robust governance, assurance, risk management and benefits realisation practices.

• Providing high-quality, evidence-based advice and reporting to senior leaders and governance forums.  

• Building strong internal and external relationships to enable successful programme delivery.  

• Managing significant programme budgets, interdependencies, change impacts and transition into business-as-usual operations.  

You will find out more about the role here in the Position Description.  

Ko koe tēnei | About you

To be successful in this senior leadership role, you will bring the credibility that comes from leading major programmes through complexity, uncertainty and scrutiny. You have the judgement and courage to make difficult decisions where required, address issues directly and challenge constructively when required. You are comfortable navigating complex organisational environments, leading multiple programme managers, and ensuring effective governance and maintaining focus on delivery and outcomes.

It is essential that you bring to the role:

• Significant, proven experience leading multiple large-scale, diverse and complex programmes of work within a public sector, regulatory or government environment.

• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-year programmes spanning operational, digital, policy and regulatory domains, including delivery through multiple workstreams, delivery teams and senior stakeholders.

• Strong experience engaging, influencing and working effectively with senior organisational leaders, governance boards, partners and external agencies.  

• Deep expertise in programme governance, assurance, risk management and benefits realisation.  

• Experience translating strategic priorities into integrated, deliverable programmes and portfolios of work.  

• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication and relationship-building capability.  

• Advanced analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to provide clear, evidence-based advice in complex environments.  

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application within the public sector.  

Mō mātou | About Us

Te Rōpū Waeture – Regulatory is responsible for ensuring New Zealand's land transport system is safe, efficient, effective and operates in the public interest. We reduce harm by being a firm and fair real-world regulator, grounded in good regulatory practice and Te Ao Māori values.  

Within Regulatory, the Regulatory Design and Enablement team designs best-practice regulatory systems using evidence and risk-based insights to create continuous improvement across the land transport system. The team leads the design, integration and delivery of complex regulatory change programmes that support long-term regulatory performance and safety outcomes.  

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

At NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, you'll be part of an organisation committed to making a meaningful difference for New Zealanders. You'll work alongside talented people tackling nationally significant challenges while helping shape the future of transport regulation.

Along with our other benefits, we also offer:

• Flexible working arrangements where business needs allow.

• Five weeks annual leave.

• Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees.

• Opportunities to work on complex, high-impact programmes that create lasting benefits for New Zealand.

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 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 August 2026

For further information, email: [email protected]

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.