Manager Real Time Operations

• Lead a large, high-performing team at the centre of real-time transport operations 
• Make a visible difference to how transport networks perform every day 
• Shape the current state and future of real-time operations across the upper North Island 

He angitūtanga: The opportunity 

Auckland Council has an exciting fixed-term opportunity for an experienced operational leader to join the Auckland Transport Operations Centre (ATOC) as Manager, Real Time Operations. 

In this senior leadership role, you will lead ATOC’s Real Time Operations team, providing clear direction and leadership for the real-time management of the Upper North Island transport network. You will lead a high-performing operational team that anticipates and responds to changing network conditions, manages disruption, optimises the network, and keeps people and goods moving safely and efficiently. 

You will lead a large operational function with six direct reports and approximately 50 indirect reports, working across Auckland and with regional partners in Northland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. The role brings together operational leadership, incident and disruption management, technology, stakeholder partnerships and continuous improvement. 

Your initial focus will be on understanding the Real Time Operations function and wider ATOC business, building strong relationships, providing clear leadership to the team, and building on a strong, cohesive and effective Real Time Operations leadership group. 

You could expect to: 

• Lead real-time transport operations and network optimisation across a complex 24/7 environment 
• Provide strategic leadership, workforce planning, performance management and capability development for the Operations team 
• Lead and coordinate responses to incidents, emergencies and major disruptions, including participating in Incident Management Teams when required 
• Ensure customers and partners receive timely, accurate and relevant information during planned and unplanned network events 
• Build effective relationships with Auckland Council, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Auckland Transport, emergency services, contractors and regional stakeholders 
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement through technology, data and process enhancements 
• Lead transformation and change initiatives that improve service delivery, customer outcomes and organisational performance 
• Contribute to the strategic direction, operational performance and culture of ATOC as a member of its Senior Leadership Team 
• Support the incorporation of Māori outcomes and perspectives into operational decision-making and service delivery 

He kōrero mōu: About you 

You will be an experienced and credible operational leader who is comfortable leading a large team in a complex, time-critical environment. You understand transport or network operations and can make sound decisions under pressure while keeping customers, safety and network performance at the centre of your approach. 

You will bring strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across multiple organisations. You will be equally comfortable providing strategic direction, supporting leaders and teams, coordinating incident responses and driving practical improvements to systems and ways of working. 

We will be looking for: 

• A strong operational leadership background, ideally within transport, traffic, network management or another complex 24/7 control-room environment 
• A good understanding of transport networks and real-time operational decision-making 
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing large operational teams and people leaders 
• Experience managing incidents, emergencies, crises or significant service disruptions 
• Strong stakeholder engagement, relationship management and influencing skills 
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate organisational priorities into operational outcomes 
• Strong analytical, planning and decision-making capability 
• The ability to remain organised, resilient and adaptable under pressure 
• A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and positive customer outcomes 

Candidates from transport operations, network management, emergency services, emergency management or other complex 24/7 control-room environments are encouraged to apply. 

A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience is desirable. Coordinated Incident Management System training can be provided on the job. The successful candidate will need to obtain and maintain the required Police security vetting. 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer 

This is a unique opportunity to lead a large operational team and make a visible, real-time difference to how transport networks perform every day. 

You will work across Auckland Council and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi in a role that combines senior leadership, incident and disruption management, technology and continuous improvement. You will also have the opportunity to shape the future of real-time transport operations rather than simply manage an established function. 

The approved remuneration range for this position is $150,000 to $170,000. Our employer KiwiSaver contribution is additional to the base salary offered. 

You’ll also have access to a range of Auckland Council benefits, including EAP services, an Oranga Day, discounted Leisure Centre membership and other partnership discounts. 

We value diversity in our thinking and recognise that we can only achieve that through a diverse and inclusive team. 

Help keep our vital transport networks and customers moving. 

Me Tono Ināianei: Apply Now! 

Applications close: 19/11/2026 at 11:59pm. 

Preferred start date: 14 December 2026 

If you have any support or access requirements, please let us know when submitting your application so we can support you through the recruitment process. 

#workingforauckland 

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion.