Project Sponsor

About the Role

We are overseeing some of New Zealand's most substantial transport infrastructure programs, which are complex, high-profile, and crucial to the communities, economy, and transport system. The Project Sponsor plays a vital governance leadership role, representing the Investment Owner to ensure projects stay on track to deliver their intended results. This position requires governance oversight and decision accountability rather than direct management of delivery teams or day-to-day operations.

As a Project Sponsor, you will use your expertise and judgement to challenge assumptions, steer decision-making, manage emerging risks, and provide confidence in keeping projects realistic, affordable, and outcome-focused. You will collaborate closely with Project Directors, Project Managers, contractors, and senior stakeholders, offering support and constructive challenge for successful project execution while inspiring confidence across governance forums and decision-makers.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide governance leadership and accountability for major infrastructure projects.
• Influence decisions shaping New Zealand’s largest infrastructure investments.
• Monitor delivery progress to identify risks, challenge assumptions, and resolve issues promptly.
• Support and challenge senior delivery teams to maintain momentum and affordability.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders including Project Directors, contractors, and governing bodies.

About You

Ideal candidates are experienced Project Directors, Programme Directors, Senior Responsible Owners, or infrastructure leaders who have successfully managed large, complex, politically sensitive projects. You bring a governance and sponsorship perspective and understand what it takes to deliver such projects effectively.

• Extensive experience leading major infrastructure or capital investment programs.
• Demonstrated ability to make critical, high-impact decisions balancing scope, cost, time, risk, and quality.
• Strong governance and assurance expertise with a firm grasp of delegated authority, risk tolerance, and investment accountability.
• Commercial insight and sound judgement in contracts, dispute resolution, delivery performance, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to influence senior leaders, delivery personnel, contractors, and governance bodies without formal authority.
• Advanced strategic and systems thinking skills to understand interdependencies, anticipate challenges, and safeguard long-term project goals.
• Excellent communication skills capable of simplifying complex information and building stakeholder confidence.
• Experience mentoring and constructively challenging senior project leaders to elevate delivery quality.

Why Join Us?

This role offers an opportunity to influence New Zealand’s future through critical infrastructure projects, working within a team dedicated to excellence, responsible investment stewardship, and delivering benefits for communities nationwide. You will collaborate with sector experts to drive better governance and raise confidence in project outcomes on a national level.

Additional Information

• Locations: Preferably based in Wellington or Auckland.
• Employment Type: Permanent, full-time.
• Flexible working arrangements available.
• Competitive remuneration and benefits package offered.

Application Details

Applications close on 17 August 2026. Candidates must have legal right to live and work in New Zealand. Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Support and access accommodations are available through the recruitment process upon request. Early applications are advised as shortlisting may start beforehand and the vacancy could be withdrawn at any time.