Manager - Leadership and Talent

Role overview

NZTA Waka Kotahi is hiring a Manager - Leadership & Talent to guide how leadership development, talent management, and succession planning are delivered across the organisation. This is a newly established, strategically significant position reporting to the Head of Learning & Organisational Development. The purpose of the role is to create a more coordinated, dedicated approach to building leadership depth, readiness, and capability across the business.

In this role, you will connect leadership development, assessment, and succession insights so they work together to strengthen organisational performance. You will work alongside senior leaders, capability specialists, and external partners to design and embed practical development solutions that can operate effectively at scale.

Key responsibilities

• Set and lead NZTA’s leadership development framework, including core development pathways and priority initiatives.
• Create robust talent and succession governance to improve the strength and continuity of leadership pipelines.
• Oversee talent identification and leadership assessment practices, such as 360 feedback and self-assessment tools.
• Manage leadership development offerings, including engagement with external suppliers and market solutions.
• Align leadership development with wider talent and succession processes so support is consistent throughout the employee journey.
• Build the leadership capability needed to support organisational performance, sound decision-making, and future readiness.
• Produce reporting and insights on leadership capability, succession health, and the effectiveness of development activity.
• Lead, coach, and grow a high-performing team by setting priorities and building capability.

About you

You are a strategic people leader who is passionate about developing leadership capability across a large organisation. You bring a strong organisational development mindset and can influence senior stakeholders while delivering practical, well-governed solutions in complex settings.

Working at NZTA Waka Kotahi

NZTA Waka Kotahi is focused on delivering a transport system that works for all New Zealanders, both now and in the future. The Pūmanawa Tāngata (People and Safety) group supports this goal by strengthening capability, systems, and culture for today and tomorrow. The Learning and Organisational Development team is central to lifting leadership and workforce capability across the organisation.

The organisation offers flexibility, with Wellington or Auckland preferred, and the chance to influence leadership capability at an enterprise level while contributing to meaningful outcomes for Aotearoa.

Application process

Applicants should submit a CV and cover letter that explains their suitability for the role. The closing date for applications is 6 July 2026. For questions, contact careers@nzta.govt.nz.

Eligibility and additional information

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered. NZTA Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion. The organisation is committed to providing a workplace that supports access needs and welcomes requests for recruitment assistance. Shortlisting may begin as applications are received, and the advertisement may be withdrawn earlier than the stated closing date.

Te Ao Māori, tikanga, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

The successful candidate will either already demonstrate, or be willing to develop, understanding of Te Ao Māori, tikanga, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as they apply in the public sector.