• Job Type:
• Category: Executive Management
• Location: Multiple Locations
• Date Advertised: 22-JAN-21
• Job Reference: NZTA/1494944A
• Job Title: Director Regional Relationships, Te Waka K&#333tuia
• Business Unit:
• Division:
• Summary:

• Manage the national and regional interface for Waka Kotahi in order to deliver better transport system outcomes
• Build strategic, collaborative relationships with key regional partners – including local government, iwi and industry 
• West Coast/Canterbury/Otago/Southland OR Gisborne/Hawkes Bay/Taranaki/Manawatū-Whanganui 

About us | Ko wai mātou

At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, it all starts with our people. The organisation’s performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for New Zealand. We have a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the land transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years’ time.

As a business group, Te Waka Kōtuia Engagement and Partnerships supports the success of Waka Kotahi by strengthening relationships with our central and local government partners, communities and industry. We do this by telling great stories about the work Waka Kotahi does. Our diverse work spans a range of partners and stakeholders – we support Ministers, coordinate collaboration across central government, lead relationships with our local government partners, and engage directly with the New Zealand public.

The opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

We are looking for two new Directors Regional Relationships (DRRs) in the West Coast/Canterbury/Otago/Southland and Gisborne/Hawkes Bay/Taranaki/Manawatū-Whanganui regions. The South Island opportunity has arisen due to our current DRR being promoted to Chief Executive of a local authority and we are re-advertising the North Island role after being unable to fill it late last year. 

As a Director Regional Relationships, you will take the lead to build and manage relationships with key regional partners and stakeholders. You will be the key influencer and spokesperson of Waka Kotahi in the region and represent the organisation at key regional forums and events. You will also work closely with our regional teams across Waka Kotahi to strengthen our regional presence and focus.

The Executive Leadership Team and wider organisation will rely on you to provide timely feedback and insights from your region. You will report directly to the General Manager Te Waka Kōtuia Engagement and Partnerships and be a key member of the Group Leadership Team.

Based in the region you serve, you will also play an important leadership role for our Waka Kotahi people – helping to bring our refreshed strategic direction and organisational values and behaviours to life in our regional offices and convening regional leadership forums.

About you | Ko wai koe

To be successful in this role, you will be adept at building strong collaborative relationships across local, regional and central government and with our Treaty partners. You will have a broad understanding of the machinery of the government with the ability to navigate regional sentiment and issues.  You will have experience working at a senior leadership level in the private sector, central and/or local government. An understanding of how the land transport system can influence social and economic outcomes is essential.

You will bring:

• Significant leadership experience working with central or local government, senior executives and iwi
• Exceptional skills in facilitating and influencing
• Ability to build strong relationships, gain consensus and create strategic alignment between our partners and stakeholders
• Understanding of the political environment 
• Proven strategic capability to take a structured approach to assess and sensitively manage complex relationships, and to proactively identify and resolve areas of potential risk
• Ability to manage and front sensitive issues in the media and other public forums

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to help keep New Zealand moving by shaping regional growth and enhancing a wide range of relationships on behalf of Waka Kotahi.

Applications close: Sunday the 14th of February 2021

For a copy of the position description and to apply: www.nzta.govt.nz/careers

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. NZ Transport Agency is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). At the Agency 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.

#LI-NZTA