Principal Policy Adviser - Revenue

Position Title: Principal Policy Adviser – Revenue

Team and Group:  Revenue, Sector Strategy Group

Position Type:  Permanent, Full Time (38 hours per week)

Location:  Wellington CBD office 

Salary: $137,527 - $170,664 (+KiwiSaver)

About the opportunity | Ngā whakamārama mō te tūnga

The Revenue Team advises on the development and implementation of transport revenue tools, and monitors, forecasts and advises on land transport revenue.

Our team’s work is critical to ensure the land transport network – including roads, public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure, and public transport services – can be funded in a fair and sustainable way. 

We are currently focused on a big legislative agenda to introduce time of use charging, enable greater use of tolling, and increase revenue levels. We work closely with the New Zealand Transport Agency to enable effective implementation. 

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Partnering with the Policy Manager to drive the strategic policy agenda and contributing to the development and implementation of the strategy for the team.
• Providing policy advice an
• d leading, shaping, and managing key policy projects and projects teams in risky, complex, ambiguous, or sensitive policy areas.
• Efficiently navigating machinery of government processes.
• Enhancing the overall capability of the team through coaching and mentoring team members during their day-to-day work, and against their longer-term development plans.
• Providing thought leadership to inform, drive and challenge Ministry thinking and support policy recommendations.
• Taking a leadership role in cross-Ministry and cross-government policy projects and appropriately representing Group or Ministry views.
• Establishing and developing productive relationships with other transport sector agencies and the wider government sector.
  

Based on the work or support that may be required, this position is Wellington based only.   

What you’ll bring | Te wāhi ki a koe

• Extensive experience leading policy development and analysis in the public sector including understanding regulatory frameworks, interpreting legislation, and knowledge about associated government institutions, across multiple portfolio areas.
• Extensive experience and demonstrated capability in leading the planning and management of large, complex, risky, ambiguous, and sensitive policy projects/programmes, while working through others to achieve this.
• Demonstrated capability in proactively 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.
• Extensive experience and demonstrated capability in communication (written and verbal) and influencing skills. Uses a range of oral, written and visual mediums to communicate and influence effectively to diverse audiences and situations demonstrating political nous.
• Extensive analytical and intellectual thinking skills, experience and demonstrated capability in adding significant value when applying analytical frameworks, including nonfinancial concepts to draw well-considered conclusions and make good decisions.
• Extensive experience building the capability of others, including the provision of proactive coaching and identifying opportunities to develop people.
• A relevant tertiary qualification.

Salary range | Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau

The base salary range budget for this position is $137,527 - $170,664 (mid-point $142,221) per annum + KiwiSaver. The salary offered will reflect skills and experience.

What we offer | Te wāhi ki a mātou

You’ll be joining a small and agile agency with strong values. We maintain a flat structure and strive towards being a high-performing Ministry motivated to achieve success.

You’ll receive a range of employee benefits including additional Ministry leave days, health and wellbeing benefits and a welcoming range of employee networks.

You’ll enjoy working collaboratively across the wider Ministry and transport sector and, relish the chance to take the helm to drive success and make your own mark.

Join us and be a part of our passionate ministry, shaping the future of transport in New Zealand.

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

Why are we here? We are an impartial, expert, and trusted adviser to government, seeking to create the conditions for the transport system to maximise economic and social benefits and minimise harm. We are the single agency that supports the Government to deliver its land, air, and maritime transport priorities and drive improvements in the performance of the transport system. 

What do we do? We inform and advise the government on current and long-term transport issues by providing policy and investment advice to Ministers, leading regulatory reform, and monitoring the performance of the transport agencies that regulate or deliver transport services that New Zealanders rely on every day.

How do we do it? We bring together players in the system, including government agencies, local government, private transport operators, and other business and community groups, so we can listen, look ahead and influence the future.

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. Other locations will not be considered.

Applications close midnight, Tuesday 2 October 2025.

For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Recruitment Adviser, Kitty McCool at k.mccool@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