National Manager Asset Ownership

About the Role

This senior leadership role involves setting asset standards and strategic plans for New Zealand’s state highway and rapid transit assets, based in Wellington or Auckland. It entails stewardship of one of the country’s largest public asset portfolios, focusing on enhancing long-term network performance, resilience, and cost-effectiveness.

You will lead the development and execution of the State Highway Asset Management Plan, overseeing asset standards and quality assurance frameworks to ensure consistent performance for both existing and new infrastructure. The role drives the integration of asset intelligence, analytics, and digital solutions to support data-informed decision-making for prioritizing investment, maintenance, and operational activities.

As National Manager Asset Ownership, you will be a key member of the Asset & Operations Group Leadership Team, establishing a balanced approach to asset management that optimizes safety, resilience, performance, cost, and risk across the asset lifecycle. Collaboration with the Infrastructure Development & Delivery Group will be essential to align planning, investment, and delivery towards whole-of-life asset performance and sustainable network outcomes. You will also champion the enhancement of asset management maturity by promoting digital enablement, evidence-led planning, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide system leadership for managing transport assets across New Zealand’s state highway and rapid transit networks.
• Lead the creation and implementation of asset management plans, standards, and assurance frameworks to ensure consistent asset performance.
• Utilize asset data and analytics to guide investment and operational decision-making.
• Collaborate with internal groups to integrate planning, investment, and delivery with asset management objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement and digital transformation to elevate asset management maturity.

Candidate Profile

• Proven senior leadership skills with the ability to lead teams and translate strategy into actionable plans within complex organizations.
• Extensive experience in asset management leadership, including lifecycle planning and balancing service levels, risk, resilience, costs, and value.
• Strong knowledge of asset management systems, standards, governance, and transport network operations.
• Experience developing and integrating standards, frameworks, and performance measures to enhance safety, resilience, and cost-effectiveness.
• Proficient in using asset intelligence and condition data to inform asset investment, maintenance, and operations.
• Successful stakeholder engagement and influence at senior levels across multiple sectors.
• Postgraduate-level tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Commitment to understanding and engaging with Te Ao Māori and supporting the Treaty of Waitangi principles.

About the Organisation

The organisation is dedicated to managing New Zealand’s transport networks to serve people, communities, and the nation sustainably and reliably. The Asset & Operations team focuses on safeguarding state highway and rapid transit assets by promoting safety, reliability, and sustainability for current and future generations.

The culture emphasizes collaboration, high performance, and continual improvement, with opportunities to contribute to nationally significant infrastructure projects.

Additional Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements.
• Support for professional development and career growth.
• An inclusive, supportive workplace culture.
• Opportunity to engage with large-scale national infrastructure initiatives.
• Competitive salary package with benefits.

Application Information

Applications close on 21 August 2026. Candidates must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. The organisation is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, ready to provide support and accommodations during the recruitment process as needed. Early applications are encouraged as recruitment shortlisting may begin before the closing date.