Portfolio Lead – Transport (Infrastructure Projects)

About the role

Napier City Council is seeking an experienced Portfolio Lead – Transport to own a diverse portfolio of capital projects that shape the city’s transport, coastal and harbour infrastructure. You will guide projects from planning and procurement through to safe and efficient delivery, working closely with technical specialists, consultants and key external partners.

Key responsibilities

• Lead delivery of multiple concurrent capital projects, each valued up to $5‑10 million, ensuring quality outcomes and robust governance.
• Provide portfolio oversight across transport, roads, active travel, coastal and harbour infrastructure, monitoring performance, budgets, risks and milestones.
• Collaborate with the Urban Infrastructure Consultancy Panel, contractors, internal specialists, mana whenua, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Maritime NZ and other stakeholders.
• Manage procurement processes, consultant engagements and contract delivery to achieve value for money and compliance with council policies and legislation.
• Prepare clear reports, advice and recommendations for governance and leadership forums.
• Build trusted relationships across council and external partners to remove barriers and keep projects progressing.

Required profile

• Relevant engineering qualification with a proven track record delivering significant transport or infrastructure projects.
• At least seven years’ experience managing complex capital projects of $5‑10 million scale.
• Strong ability to balance competing priorities, oversee multiple projects simultaneously and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in procurement, contract management, budgeting, governance and risk management.

Required skills