Commercial Delivery Lead

• Lead the design and implementation of best practice commercial management across significant projects
• Major pipelines of work across vital state highway projects will be a game changer for the North Island
• Project opportunities in both Wellington & Auckland. Ideally you will be located in one of those cities.

Waka Kotahi is New Zealand's largest investor in horizontal infrastructure, and this year expects to spend around $3B in improvements, maintenance, and emergency works as part of an ongoing investment programme that aims to keep kiwi businesses and communities connected.



The New Zealand Government is committed to a new and refreshed pipeline of major projects to address the infrastructure deficit in this country. NZTA Waka Kotahi is a key delivery agency in this arena and the willingness to grow our internal Commercial capacity and capability, to support this program is paramount. The range of interesting and complex projects in the mix means we are seeking commercially experienced professionals to lead and partner with our Project teams who will be responsible to drive the best commercial outcomes for our organisation whilst overseeing the risk profiles across a range of diverse projects.



The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) are vital state highway projects that will drive economic growth and productivity through faster, more efficient transport connections that reduce travel times and create a safer, more resilient roading network.



These projects, once complete, will stimulate economic growth by supporting new housing developments and enhancing export market links, ensuring people and freight can reach their destinations quickly and safely.



The opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi



As our Commercial Delivery Lead, you will be an embedded Commercial Manager who will lead the design and implementation of best practice commercial management on significant projects/programmes and will be a senior leader within the project team with key focus areas of:

• Leading commercial workstreams and providing direction and leadership to plan, establish and manage delivery of the Pre-Implementation and Implementation phases.
• Development and management of the overall programme commercial strategies including in procurement, risk and contingency management, value engineering and economic efficiency, supply chain development, and benefit realisation.
• Ensuring the commercial success of the programme including achievement of required scope and cost whilst ensuring delivery of value for money outcomes.

To view the position description, please click here


About you | Ko wai koe

This is a senior leadership role that requires experienced Commercial leadership with proven people skills who are capable of building and sustaining high performance in a complex and fluid setting at pace, and collaborating with senior leaders, industry and local government/community and iwi stakeholders.

In addition, you will bring:

• Extensive commercial/contractual experience within complex civil infrastructure project delivery and governance
• Strong commercial acumen and taking the lead in highly complex, strategic commercial environments involving multiple objectives and diverse stakeholders in a fast changing, matrix environment
• Experience providing leadership across investment capabilities encompassing economics, procurement, funding, finance and business case functions
• Ability to foresee and navigate through complex supplier initiated commercial strategies and tactics.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of risk identification, analysis and quantification
• Proven experience in contract negotiation and dispute resolution
• Exceptional communication skills, a capable negotiator and influencer with the ability to present compelling reports and recommendations for a variety of audiences.
• High volume contract management environment and working with NZ3910 and Alliance contracts, or the international equivalent.

This is a true greenfield opportunity where you will make tangible impacts across transport projects and programmes of work by creating efficiencies and developing Waka Kotahi commercial acumen and ensuring better delivery outcomes for Aotearoa.



About us | Ko wai matou



The Transport Services Group is responsible for the policy, planning, design, delivery and maintenance of transport system operations and improvements. With a focus on developing an integrated multimodal transport system, Transport Services works alongside local and central government partners to ensure optimal investment that delivers the best long-term transport outcomes.



Transport Services is an end-to-end business group that focuses on our transport system - from policy and planning, through design and delivery, to maintenance and operations. We have some of the most capable and motivated people in the industry providing a transport system that enhances the way New Zealanders live, travel work, and connect.

• We drive excellence in our construction programmes, building efficiently and leveraging innovative ways of working to optimise delivery
• We oversee the build workforce to keep them safe while they work
• We manage relationships with our contractors, suppliers and local partners to effectively meet construction budgets, timeframes and ensure delivery
• We work regionally and across the sector to manage the impact of what we deliver to the community

We build a world class transport network that delivers maximum value to New Zealand.



We are interested to hear from commercial gurus who are seeking their next career opportunity and knows what it means to deliver great commercial outcomes.



Me pehea te tuku tono - How to apply:




Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience via the 'Apply for this Job' link.

Ra Katinga | Applications close:

21 February 2025

For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

NZTA| 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.