Principal Transport Engineer

As our Principal Transport Engineer, you’ll help lead the strategic transport programme that supports Hamilton’s urban growth. Reporting to the People Manager, Strategy and Planning Specialists and taking technical direction from the Technical Director Transport, you’ll provide expert advice and leadership to ensure we deliver an efficient, safe, and future-ready transport network for Hamilton City.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

This is a senior technical leadership role with a strong strategic focus. You will support the management of the strategic transportation portfolio across Hamilton’s urban growth areas, guiding planning and implementation of major transport initiatives and ensuring investment decisions align with long-term outcomes.

Key focus areas include:

• Advising on the technical interpretation of transport strategies and modelling outputs.
• Leading the implementation of strategic transport projects and programmes.
• Influencing strategic transport goals and investment priorities.
• Delivering solutions and programmes that improve Hamilton’s strategic transport network.

What you’ll do (key outcomes)

In this role, you will:

• Lead strategic network planning and implementation of urban growth transport infrastructure projects.
• Manage Hamilton’s Transport Master Plan development, including the Access Hamilton Strategy, its programme of improvements/operations, and alignment across the wider sub-region.
• Provide technical advice and guidance to internal stakeholders on capital transport project delivery.
• Guide relevant capital projects to ensure they deliver strategic transport outcomes.
• Contribute to the development of the transport growth programme and projects within Council’s 10-year plan and 30-year infrastructure strategy.
• Provide technical expertise for transport planning provisions within:• Council structure plans
• District Plan reviews/revisions
• Updates to the Waikato regional technical specification (WRITS)

• Act as client representative for the Waikato Regional Transport Model (WRTM) and Hamilton Transport Model (HTM) on behalf of Council.
• Ensure transportation planning and capital project provisions are supported by an appropriate level of modelling.
• Support Development Engineers in engagement with the development community to implement strategic transport outcomes and deliver transport provisions within the 10-year plan.
• Provide support for Policy and By-Law reviews.
• Actively contribute to implementing strategies, plans and policies that improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians.
• Represent Council in key forums including Fast Track, Future Proof, Transportation Waikato, and with the development community.
• Help drive effective urban growth outcomes for Hamilton and the wider community.
• Mentor and develop other staff across the wider transport team.

Why join us?

You’ll be joining a team focused on long-term, city-shaping outcomes — supporting growth, safety, access, and wellbeing for Hamiltonians. Our culture is grounded in our purpose and values, and we’re looking for people who bring leadership, integrity, and a collaborative mindset.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

You’re an experienced transport professional who can balance strategic thinking with delivery leadership — and you can confidently influence outcomes across a complex stakeholder environment.

You’ll ideally have:

• Minimum 10 years’ technical experience in the transportation infrastructure industry.
• Proven leadership capability, with 5+ years’ leadership experience preferred, including the ability to articulate vision and lead others through change.
• A tertiary qualification in Traffic/Transportation Engineering or Transport Planning.
• CPEng (preferred).
• Experience in New Zealand local government and a strong understanding of New Zealand resource management processes and procedures (preferred).
• Experience in land use development and its relationship with transport planning/provisions.
• Experience using transport models for land development/network planning and network operations activities.
• Ability to review and/or undertake:• Transport impact assessments
• Transport safety audits across all stages of development

• Strong programme/project management experience, delivering to deadlines and budgets.
• Understanding of strategic planning, policy development and public consultation.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including external experts, community groups, and customers.
• Excellent communication skills — able to write clear reports and present effectively (oral/visual).
• Strong influencing skills, encouraging behaviours and outcomes aligned to organisational goals.
• Sound judgement under pressure, with the ability to think clearly during rapid change.

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

The salary for this role is $150,000.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

 

• View the Position Description
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 03/06/2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.