Principal Adviser - Commercial

Position Title: Principal Adviser – Commercial

Team and Group: Transport Financing, Investment and Monitoring group 

Position Type: 24-month fixed-term, Full Time (38 hours per week)

Location: Wellington CBD office (currently located on Queens Wharf)

Salary: $145,563 – $193,297 + KiwiSaver, Laptop & Mobile 

This is a unique opportunity to support and deliver complex transport infrastructure projects through high-quality and tailored advice for the New Zealand Government. You will work closely with experienced professionals, including private investors and government agencies, to deliver innovative funding, financing and commercial solutions.

You will have the opportunity to shape thinking, work on priority issues, and influence outcomes for the Ministry and Minister of Transport.

About the Ministry of Transport | He kupu mō mātou Te Manatū Waka

The Ministry of Transport is the system leader for the transport sector, whether it’s on land, at sea, or in the air. We are the government’s adviser on transport policy, regulation and investment and play a crucial role in ensuring the transport system is working to improve the prosperity of New Zealanders. The Ministry prides itself in valuing integrity, excellence, and collaboration.

About the opportunity | Ngā whakamārama mō te tūnga

The Transport Financing team works across the Ministry and with key stakeholders to provide economic, financial, and commercial advice to the Minister of Transport.

The Team has a varied and interesting work programme, liaising closely with private and public entities to progress transport projects and support asset-level transactions.

We are currently leading Market Sounding on Toll Road Concessions where we are building relationships with global and national investors, concessionaires, toll road operators, and iwi to understand the viability of increased private investment in this asset class. Subject to government decisions, this work would see us move into scoping studies and transactions.

We are also closely involved in other opportunities to leverage financial modelling, due diligence, capital structuring, and valuations advice to support projects like the Waitematā Harbour Crossing.

The team also works closely with the New Zealand Transport Agency to understand its balance sheet, and assess the financial and fiscal sustainability of the National Land Transport Fund.

As the Principal Adviser – Commercial you will provide thought leadership and support the overall capability of the team and delivery of their key objectives. You’ll bring deep expertise in relevant funding and financing methodologies, as well as legislation and budgetary frameworks, enabling you to provide high-quality advice on complex, multi-million-dollar transport initiatives and projects of national significance.

You will also have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to convey complex information succinctly through your written and verbal communication skills. Ideally you will have had experience delivering challenging messages to stakeholders that could be translated into delivering similar messages for Ministers or C-Suite Executives.

The work involved includes: 

• Driving advice on complex transport project funding and financing issues (e.g. concession arrangements, private financing, debt markets and equity considerations, capital and commercial structuring, valuations, cashflow analysis), and inter-related strategic policy agenda
• Leading a variety of tasks including developing information memorandum material, conducting financial modelling/analysis and identifying funding and financing solutions, and advising on commercial structuring, procurement, due diligence, and transaction execution
• Delivering strategic financial and commercial transport advice that meet the needs of the Minister – communicating complex issues and trade-offs clearly, succinctly, and persuasively in risky, complex, ambiguous, or sensitive areas
• Applying advanced frameworks and methods of analysis (including financial analysis and business case methodology) to identify problems, analyse the issues, consider the benefits, costs, risks and sensitivities, identify and assess the commercial options, and make recommendations through a value for money lens.
• Providing guidance and on-the-job training and coaching to more junior or less experienced team members.

What you’ll bring | Te wāhi ki a koe

You will demonstrate extensive experience and successful capability in:

• economic, financial, and/or commercial principles and analysis and how they relate to benefit cost analysis and decision making, and/or other frameworks to evaluate the value-for-money of proposed projects and investments;
• developing advice on funding and financing tools (e.g. financing models and implications for debt and revenue) and methods relevant to the transport sector. This includes fundamental understanding and application of financial analysis, valuation methodologies, due diligence requirements, and commercial structuring on asset-level transactions in sectors such as infrastructure, transport, and utilities;
• leading commercial, financial or economic advice development and analysis in the public or private sector, and excellent political nous;
• leading the planning and management of large, complex, risky, ambiguous, and sensitive projects/programmes, while working through others to achieve this and under pressure to meet tight timelines;
• building and maintaining effective working relationships and networks at all levels, internally and externally, including collaborating with others to achieve outcomes, and influencing the agenda;
• adding significant value when applying financial analytical concepts in various scenarios;
• proactively and successfully building and maintaining effective working relationships and networks at all levels, internally and externally, including collaborating with others to achieve outcomes, and influencing the agenda;
• building the capability of others, including the provision of proactive coaching and identifying opportunities to develop people.

You will also bring a relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. commerce, economics, finance).

Salary range | Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau

The base salary range is $145,563 – $193,297 per annum (+ KiwiSaver). The salary offered will reflect the skills and experience you bring.

What we offer | Te wāhi ki a mātou

• A supportive and high-performing work environment and team motivated to achieve success
• An engaged manager passionate about individual and team development and wellbeing  
• An exciting work programme, including engagement with senior leaders and Ministers
• Additional Ministry leave days, and a range of health and wellbeing benefits including wellbeing days
• Modern offices discreetly located right on the wharf with collaborative working spaces, showers, storage for bicycles/scooters and personal lockers
• A welcoming range of employee networks.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tono mai

To view the job description, or apply online, click Apply. Please include a CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

To apply for this role, you must have right to live and work in New Zealand. You will need to be based in Wellington or ready to relocate.

Applications close midnight, Wednesday 20 August 2024.

For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Rebcca Bakker (Senior Recruitment Adviser) at r.bakker@transport.govt.nz.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. We aim to have a Ministry that represents the wider Aotearoa that we serve. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels relevant, valued, supported and a sense of belonging.

For any support or accessibility needs during our recruitment process, please contact us at applications@transport.govt.nz.