Tunnel Manager – Lead Safety and Operations

About the role

ACCIONA is seeking a Tunnel Manager to lead safety, operations and maintenance on the Northland Corridor Warkworth to Te Hana project in New Zealand. You will be the key link between design, construction, maintenance, NZTA and emergency services, ensuring the tunnel’s long‑term performance and safety.

Key responsibilities

• Lead safe, compliant operation and maintenance of the tunnel assets.
• Plan and execute lifecycle inspection, testing and asset stewardship programmes.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness and incident response with NZTA and emergency services.
• Review designs for budget, risk and constructability, and manage budgets, forecasts and contract obligations.
• Develop the M&E/ITS Tunnel Engineer and foster a safety‑first team culture.

Required profile

• Degree in civil, electrical or mechanical engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Proven leadership of tunnel or complex M&E/ITS operations.
• Strong knowledge of NZTA requirements and experience delivering RAMS, TAMP and safety file governance.
• Commercial acumen in budgeting, forecasting, contract governance and claims management.
• Ability to mentor high‑performing teams and engage stakeholders, including ATOC and emergency services.

Required skills

• Civil, electrical or mechanical engineering expertise
• Asset management
• NZTA regulatory knowledge
• RAMS and TAMP lifecycle planning
• Safety File governance, BWoF/IQP coordination
• Incident response tools (CIMS, ICAM)
• AWM, GIS and digital decision‑support tools

What we offer

• Lead tunnel operations on a major New Zealand transport project
• Mentoring and leadership development pathways
• Opportunity to shape a legacy infrastructure project