Team Leader – Public Transport Strategy and Planning

Job Type: Permanent | Full Time

Location:

Christchurch

Job Category:
Government, Defence & Emergency

• Deliver work programmes that influence strategic transport outcomes
• Be part of a values‑driven organisation
• Newly Created Role in a collaborative culture

As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

The region’s evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.

Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

Council plays an important role in responding to national legislation and policy changes – this mahi is part of our operating environment and is embedded in our everyday mahi. The current proposals from central government are significant, and Council is working through the opportunities and implications. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment).

This is a great leadership opportunity to guide and support the Public Transport Strategy and Planning team, ensuring strategic direction is translated into practical, high‑quality work programmes. You’ll oversee the delivery of planning documents such as the Regional Public Transport Plan, funding applications, and key strategic advice for partners and stakeholders.

You’ll lead a high performing team of subject matter experts, providing coaching, mentoring, and thought leadership while fostering a positive team culture to ensure we successfully delivery on our committed work programme. Collaboration is central to this role, working closely with Waka Kotahi, territorial authorities, iwi partners, operators, and governance groups to deliver great outcomes for Canterbury.

• Lead the delivery of strategic work programmes aligned with Council priorities
• Provide oversight, quality assurance, and consistency across public transport planning outputs and advice
  
  Build and maintain strong partnerships across the sector, including mana whenua
• Support the development of public transport improvement programmes and funding applications
• Champion organisational values and support cultural capability across the team

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

You’re an experienced people leader who thrives in an ever‑changing strategic environment and enjoys developing others. You bring strong judgement, the ability to think at both a big‑picture and practical level, and confidence navigating complex public‑sector contexts.

You’ll be comfortable building relationships across organisations, facilitating collaboration, and representing Environment Canterbury in public transport planning discussions and community forums. Your leadership style is inclusive, engaging, and grounded in our values.

• Proven experience leading and developing highly effective teams
• Strong strategic planning, policy, or transport planning experience
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• An understanding of public‑sector accountability, transparency, and good practice
• A commitment to supporting Te Tiriti partnerships and engagement with mana whenua

Ideally, you’ll have a relevant tertiary qualification in business, commerce, or transport planning, or related work experience along with:

• A minimum of 5 years experience in leading, building, & developing highly performing effective teams
• Demonstrated skills in people leadership & collaboration across functions
• Experience in or understanding of the requirements of the public sector
• Significant experience in the development and delivery of strategy, policy & planning within the public sector, ideally…