At the Otago Regional Council (ORC), our mission is protecting, connecting and enhancing Otago's environment, now and for the future - Mou, moku, mo tatou, For you, for me, for us. To be sure we can deliver on our responsibilities, we are evolving as an organisation, and we're not overstating when we say we have some really big targets to reach. We need the right people, in the right roles, to help us to get there.

We think Otago's a pretty special place. It covers a vast area - the third largest local government region in New Zealand. Those who call Otago home enjoy access to mountains, coastal lowlands, dramatic rivers, and wild beaches. Our environment here is part of who we are, and at ORC, we work each day to look after it.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Transport Manager to join our Regional Planning and Transport team on a full-time, permanent basis. In this role you will lead the ORC’s strategic approach to understanding and meeting transport needs of our diverse communities across Otago. We have a talented transport team, who need a leader who can focus on removing barriers, enabling the team and delivering for Otago.

As Transport Manager, you will:

• Oversee the development and delivery of regional transport planning and public transport services, ensuring alignment with the ORC’s strategic goals
• Oversee the design and delivery of public transport and total mobility services across Otago
• Lead the Transport team in a way that enables team members to grow, achieve high performance, and maintain a positive, collaborative and creative team environment
• Foster ORC’s key relationships with territorial authorities, NZTA, and other stakeholders – ensuring partnerships are active, responsive, and create shared value.
• Be primarily based in our new Ōtepoti | Dunedin office and travel frequently around the region and spend time in our Tāhuna | Queenstown Office. If you’re a highly experienced and impactful leader, who thrives in a complex work environment and enjoys delivering on community and stakeholder expectations, this is the role for you.

About You 

Our ideal candidate will have:

• 10+ years’ senior leadership experience and a strong coaching style (experience in public transport, transport planning, or similar roles is desirable)
• Proven experience managing complex, publicly funded projects.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder and relationship management
• Highly developed communication, influencing, negotiation, and advocacy skills

A full job description can be found here - JD+-+Transport+Manager+-+July+2026.docx

What we offer

We recognise and celebrate diversity within Team ORC and are committed to providing a work environment that supports inclusion and equal opportunities. We actively encourage applications from anyone who will live our values of MANA- We influence with respect and integrity, TIKA- We do the right thing and do things right and AROHA- We show that that we care.

To support our diverse and capable team, we're pleased to offer enhanced benefits such as:

• Flexible work opportunities
• Life Insurance
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Superannuation
• An annual wellbeing programme
• Competitive remuneration packages
• Development opportunities

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria, we welcome your application, including your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the person for this role via the Apply button.

Please note. We don't always work to fixed closing dates and may start considering and interviewing candidates as their applications are received, so we encourage you to apply early.

At ORC, we value diversity and the different strengths people bring. We can provide flexible recruitment options such as virtual interviews, online kōrero, or whānau-inclusive interviews. If you would like to have whānau support with you during your interview, just let us know—we welcome it!

Learn more about who we are — join our online whānau! Check our website -Managing Otago’s environment | Otago Regional Council see what life at ORC is like.

All candidates require the right to work in New Zealand.

Applications close: Sunday 19 July 2026

For further information, please contact human.resources@orc.govt.nz