Senior Infrastructure Planner (Transport)

Senior Infrastructure Planner (Transport)

Live, work and play in Aotearoa New Zealand’s most spectacular setting.

No two days at Queenstown Lakes District Council are the same.  Every day we provide services, facilities and programmes essential to the health and wellbeing of our people and environment, while stepping up to the challenges and opportunities that come with being New Zealand’s fastest growing territorial authority.

We’re proud to be QLDC.  Our people are motivated by a shared purpose driven by care, connection and community.  All our roles are at the heart of a dynamic and diverse set of communities where you will be making a genuine difference every day. Join us.

We’re looking for a Senior Infrastructure Planner (Transport) to join our Property & Infrastructure directorate in a permanent full-time role, based in Queenstown. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, wellbeing, and professional growth and includes relocation assistance for eligible candidates.

What you’ll be doing / He aha te mahi

As a Transport Planning Specialist, you will provide expert technical advice to support QLDC's strategic transport planning and infrastructure programmes. Working closely with the Strategy & Infrastructure Planning team, you'll help shape evidence-based transport solutions that optimise networks across all modes and align with Council's long-term objectives. You'll contribute to business cases, transport modelling, strategic planning initiatives, and major capital programmes, while partnering with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to deliver sustainable transport outcomes for the district.

The role will involve:

• Provide specialist transport planning advice to support strategic infrastructure planning and Council decision-making.
• Contribute technical expertise to business cases, transport modelling, and key strategic planning documents.
• Support the development of transport solutions for the Long Term Plan and Annual Plan capital programmes.
• Lead and coordinate public transport integration initiatives, travel planning activities, and transport performance monitoring.
• Monitor and report on the benefits realisation of key transport projects and programmes.
• Procure and manage professional services, ensuring quality outcomes and alignment with industry best practice.

What you’ll bring to the role / Ko wai to Pukeka

We're looking for an experienced transport planning professional who combines strong technical expertise with a collaborative and solutions-focused approach. You'll bring a deep understanding of transport planning, modelling, and infrastructure strategy, along with the ability to influence outcomes and build strong relationships across a wide range of stakeholders. We also welcome candidates with RMA planning experience, particularly where it includes transport planning, growth modelling, or infrastructure strategy, as these skills are highly transferable to the role. Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, you'll thrive in a dynamic environment where you can contribute strategic thinking, technical insight, and practical delivery experience.

To best succeed in this role, you’ll have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in transport planning, engineering, urban planning, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years experience in transport planning, with expertise in transport modelling, business case development, and strategic infrastructure planning.
• Strong understanding of urban planning frameworks, local government processes, and relevant legislation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with a customer-focused approach to service delivery.
• Proven ability to manage consultants, including procurement and contract management.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to work autonomously while driving outcomes across multiple projects.
• Knowledge of Council and Waka Kotahi NZTA processes would be highly regarded.
• Project management experience is desirable

What we offer / Ko a matou whakaratoka

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, wellbeing, and professional growth, including:

• Southern Cross Wellbeing One Plan (Full time, permanent only)
• Discounted membership to our health and fitness facilities
• Hybrid working practices
• Genuine commitment to your training and career development

To apply, please follow the link or for any questions please contact Tony Pickard, Strategy Planning Manager, at [email protected]

Applications close: 2nd October 2026.

Please note we will review and process applications as they come through; we encourage your early application.