Portfolio Lead Transport
Napier City CouncilJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
Napier City Council seeks a Portfolio Lead Transport to own a portfolio of capital projects from planning to delivery, partnering with technical specialists, consultants and stakeholders to ensure safe, efficient outcomes aligned with Council priorities. You will lead concurrent projects valued up to $5–10 million, provide portfolio governance across transport and infrastructure, and collaborate with mana whenua, Waka Kotahi and Maritime NZ. Requirements include a relevant engineering qualification and at least seven years delivering complex capital programs, with strong procurement, contracts, budgets and risk management; public sector experience is a plus. Apply early, tailor your CV to show multi-project leadership with clear outcomes and strong stakeholder engagement.
At Napier City Council, we're investing in the infrastructure that supports our growing city and enables our communities to thrive. From transport networks and active travel through to coastal and harbour infrastructure, we're delivering a significant programme of work that will shape Napier for years to come.
We're looking for an experienced Portfolio Lead – Transport to take ownership of a diverse portfolio of capital projects, providing leadership from planning and procurement through to delivery. Working alongside technical specialists, consultants, contractors and key stakeholders, you'll help ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with Council priorities.
This is an opportunity to work on projects that make a genuine difference to our community while being trusted to lead your portfolio, influence outcomes and build strong relationships across the organisation and beyond.
Te Āheinga - The Opportunity
As Portfolio Lead – Transport you'll be responsible for leading a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects while balancing strategic priorities, governance requirements and successful delivery.
You'll do this by:
Leading the successful delivery of multiple concurrent capital projects, including individual projects valued up to approximately $5–10 million, ensuring quality outcomes, sound governance and effective programme management.
Providing portfolio leadership across transport, roads, active transport, coastal and harbour infrastructure while maintaining oversight of project performance, budgets, risks and delivery milestones.
Working closely with Napier’s new Urban Infrastructure Consultantcy Panel, contractors, internal technical specialists, mana whenua, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Maritime NZ and other stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes.
Managing procurement, consultant engagement and contract delivery while ensuring value for money and compliance with Council policies and legislative requirements.
Facilitating clear reporting, advice and recommendations that support informed decision-making across governance and leadership forums.
Building trusted relationships across Council and with external partners to remove barriers, resolve issues and keep projects progressing.
He kōrero mōhou - About You
You're an experienced infrastructure professional who enjoys leading complex capital programmes and bringing people together to achieve successful outcomes.
You'll be comfortable balancing competing priorities, working across multiple projects simultaneously and building strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
You'll also bring:
A relevant engineering qualification together with demonstrated experience delivering significant transport or infrastructure projects.
At least seven years' experience managing complex capital projects, including individual projects valued up to approximately $5–10 million.
Strong experience managing procurement, contracts, consultants, budgets, governance and project risk across multiple concurrent projects.
Experience working within local or central government would be an advantage, or similarly complex public sector environments, with an understanding of governance, public accountability and community outcomes.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across technical specialists, contractors, elected members, mana whenua and partner agencies.
The ability to think strategically while remaining focused on practical delivery and achieving results.
Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer
5 weeks' annual leave after 2 years service
Discounted health insurance work scheme + Eye test subsidy
Retailer discounts + study assistance
Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club
Free flu vaccinations (annual)
Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
Te Reo Māori language classes
This is a permanent, full time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You will be based in Napier's CBD.
The annual salary package for this role is between $115,239 - $128,796 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.
We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.
He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC
At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!
Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.
Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening and drug & alcohol testing). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.
Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description