General Manager Transport Performance and Optimisation

• Lead the performance, safety and optimisation of Tāmaki Makaurau's transport system, as governance reform reshapes the wider network
• Oversee network operations, the Auckland Transport Operations Centre, and the Harbourmaster function
• A rare opportunity to set the strategic direction for a significant new transport function from the ground up

Mō mātou | About the organisation

Auckland Council is undertaking significant transport governance reform, bringing the planning, delivery and performance of the region's transport network back within Council. As part of this change, we are establishing a new senior leadership team to lead this critical work for Tāmaki Makaurau — and we are looking for a General Manager Transport Performance and Optimisation to be part of it.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the role

The General Manager Transport Performance and Optimisation provides senior leadership to improve the performance, safety, sustainability, and customer experience of Tāmaki Makaurau's transport system. The role is responsible for setting strategic direction, translating Council and regional priorities into delivery, and ensuring the transport network enables Aucklanders to move safely, efficiently, and sustainably. The role works across Auckland Council, Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs), central government agencies, mana whenua, and communities to optimise network outcomes and support Auckland's growth, climate, and urban development objectives.

You will:

• Lead the development and delivery of transport performance and optimisation strategies aligned with the Auckland Plan, council strategies, and statutory requirements.
• Provide trusted, high-quality advice to senior executives and elected members on transport system performance, investment, risks, and opportunities.
• Represent Auckland Council in regional and national forums relating to transport system performance and optimisation.
• Oversee network operations planning to improve reliability, efficiency, and resilience of the transport network.
• Lead road network optimisation initiatives, including demand management, performance monitoring, and evidence-led interventions.
• Oversee the Auckland Transport Operations Centre (ATOC), ensuring integrated network operations, incident management, and transport system performance optimisation.
• Provide executive accountability for the Harbourmaster function, ensuring safe and efficient management of Auckland's waterways, maritime safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship.
• Provide executive oversight of transport safety, embedding a Safe System approach across planning, design, and operations.
• Champion sustainability and climate outcomes, including emissions reduction, climate resilience, and science-based decision-making.
• Lead the integration of active modes (walking, cycling, micromobility) into the transport system to support mode shift and accessibility.

Ko wai koe | About you

• 15 years' experience in complex transport, infrastructure, or urban systems, with accountability for large, multidisciplinary portfolios.
• 10 years' experience in senior leadership roles, leading multidisciplinary teams and influencing executive-level decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to set strategic direction and translate long-term plans, statutory obligations, and political priorities into executable delivery and measurable outcomes.
• Proven experience operating effectively at system level, balancing performance, safety, sustainability, growth, and customer outcomes across an integrated network.
• Extensive experience in capital programme planning, prioritisation, and optimisation across large, multi-year portfolios.
• Strong understanding of the New Zealand transport sector, funding frameworks, and infrastructure investment system.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across local government, CCOs, central government agencies, mana whenua, and communities.
• A high level of political acumen, judgement, and discretion.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of transport for Tāmaki Makaurau at the most senior level, as Auckland Council brings transport delivery back in-house under significant governance reform.

For more information or a confidential conversation, contact:

Rhonda Maxwell

Talent Acquisition Partner, Executive Search

rhonda.maxwell@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Applications must be received by 11:59pm, Sunday 16 August 2026.

Auckland Council is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. We collect personal information directly from you and, where relevant for the purpose of assessing you for employment, and employing you as part of the transport reform process, from third parties such as referees, previous employers (including Auckland Transport) recruitment agencies, and background checking providers.

By applying for this role, you consent to Council obtaining a reference from your current employer, including information about any active conduct investigations and current performance management processes, if you are the preferred candidate. Reference checks will only be undertaken at the preferred candidate stage. Any non-active performance or conduct matters may also be discussed with referees as part of the reference checking process.

If you do not consent to this information being provided, Council may be unable to properly assess your application and your application will not progress further. If you wish to withhold your consent, or to access or correct your personal information, please contact the Privacy Officer at privacy@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz .

Our commitment to inclusion

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds who bring different perspectives to strengthen Auckland's transport outcomes for all Aucklanders.

We value diversity in backgrounds and in experiences and need people from all backgrounds and walks of life to help build the future of Auckland. Our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds, who share a passion for improving Auckland as a place to live. All of our employees' points of view are key to our success, and inclusion is everyone's responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.