General Manager Transport Infrastructure

About Auckland Council

Auckland Council is undergoing major governance reforms to consolidate planning, delivery, and performance management of regional transport infrastructure back within the organisation. A new senior leadership team is being established to lead this transformative initiative for Tāmaki Makaurau.

Role Overview

The General Manager Transport Infrastructure will oversee the design, planning, delivery, and operational performance of Auckland Council's transport infrastructure portfolio. This involves ensuring safe and effective delivery of programmes and assets that align with strategic objectives, policies, and budgetary limits. The role encompasses translating government and organisational directives into actionable plans, guaranteeing delivery quality and asset functionality, and managing multidisciplinary teams along with partnering organisations. Key areas of oversight include rail and rapid transit systems, road maintenance and upgrades, cycling networks, project planning and delivery, consent and regulatory compliance, design standards, and strategic development collaborations.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the transport infrastructure portfolio ensuring alignment with organisational strategy, governmental policies, and regional priorities.
• Transform long-term strategies and investment plans into prioritized work programmes and detailed delivery roadmaps.
• Manage major capital projects ensuring delivery within agreed scope, schedules, and budgets.
• Oversee integrated systems encompassing planning, investment decisions, acquisition, consenting, sequencing, and execution.
• Supervise road asset management, maintenance agreements, and renewal programmes focusing on safety, resilience, and cost-effectiveness.
• Provide executive leadership for rail and rapid transit infrastructure projects and assets.
• Direct regulatory compliance processes including consent planning and designation management for timely project completion.
• Maintain operational partnerships including alliances, joint ventures, and other delivery collaborators.
• Establish and uphold transport and urban design standards promoting safety, accessibility, and superior urban outcomes.
• Advocate and implement innovations for low carbon, environmental sustainability, and climate transition.

Candidate Profile

• Possesses at least 15 years of experience in infrastructure planning, capital programme management, or investment in complex transport sectors.
• Has engaged in senior leadership roles for minimum 10 years, leading diverse teams and influencing decision-making at executive levels.
• Demonstrated expertise in capital programme prioritization, optimisation, and large multi-year portfolio management.
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand's transport sector, funding mechanisms, and infrastructure investment frameworks.
• Proven experience navigating both private and public sectors with solid commercial acumen.
• Extensive understanding of central and local government legislation, processes, and assurance standards.
• A record of building high-performing, collaborative teams that operate effectively across organisational boundaries.
• Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities, capable of leading organisational transformation efforts.

Additional Information

This leadership position offers a rare chance to shape Auckland's transport future as delivery functions return in-house amidst governance reform. Auckland Council fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages applicants of all backgrounds, including those from Rainbow communities and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. The recruitment process is designed to be accessible and accommodating.

Applicants should note the privacy commitments under the Privacy Act 2020 regarding collection and use of personal information, including potential reference checks at the preferred candidate stage.

Benefits

Working at Auckland Council provides a progressive and supportive environment with a positive impact on over 1.7 million residents. Benefits include flexible working arrangements, focus on staff wellbeing, continuous improvement culture, and recognition for commitment to diversity and inclusion.