Project Controls Specialist

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

. Manage project controls and associated project deliverables across assigned projects .

Posted 11/11/2026full-timeAuckland • New ZealandMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in project controls, including cost management, scheduling, risk management, and governance reporting, while effectively building relationships with stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Project Controls ExperienceCost ManagementSchedulingRisk ManagementGovernance Reporting

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Cost ForecastingBudgetingVariance AnalysisCashflow ForecastingScope ManagementProject ManagementPerformance MonitoringProcurement ProcessesCollaborative ContractingProject Controls Scheduling

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsStrong Organisational SkillsRelationship BuildingCollaborative WorkingAbility to Manage Competing Priorities

Tools & Technologies

SAP Financial SystemsProject Management Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Project Management QualificationRelevant Tertiary Qualification

Industry Keywords

Civil EngineeringInfrastructure ProjectsTransport ProjectsNZSTe Ao MāoriTikangaTe Reo MāoriTe Tiriti o Waitangi

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage project controls and associated project deliverables across assigned projects
Support project teams with cost forecasting, budgeting, scheduling, risk management and reporting
Maintain and analyse project valuation information, including cashflow forecasting and variance analysis
Coordinate high-quality project and programme reporting for key governance and project stakeholders
Support the identification, management and escalation of project risks and issues
Build trusted relationships with project team members, suppliers, and internal and external project stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle
Contribute to continual improvement of project management tools, methodologies and reporting practices
Provide specialist project controls skills across a portfolio of infrastructure projects
Work closely with Project Directors, Project Managers and project teams to support successful project delivery

Requirements

What you’ll need

Civil Engineering graduates and project controls scheduling and cost control professional with 3 - 4 yrs experience is desirable
Experience working on complex projects, programme or project delivery environment
Demonstrated project controls experience across cost management, scheduling, scope management, risk management and governance reporting
Ability to identify adverse trends, risks, opportunities and issues and implement proactive solutions and recommendations
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
Experience building effective relationships and working collaboratively with a broad range of partners and stakeholders
Experience supporting civil engineering, transport or infrastructure projects is desirable
Knowledge of procurement processes, contract management and performance monitoring, including NZS and collaborative contracting environments is desirable
Experience using project management and SAP financial systems is desirable
Relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Commerce, Engineering or a related discipline is desirable
Project or programme management qualification is desirable
Knowledge of, or willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori
Knowledge of, or willingness to gain an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application within the public service
Legal right to live and work in New Zealand

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible working arrangements
Career development opportunities across a diverse infrastructure portfolio
Working alongside some of New Zealand's leading infrastructure professionals
Five weeks annual leave
Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees
A collaborative and inclusive culture that supports growth and development