Project Controls Specialist

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Project Controls Specialist supporting NZTA’s infrastructure projects through cost management, reporting, scheduling and risk management. Contributing to New Zealand’s integrated transport network and project-controls improvement.

Posted 8/12/2026full-timeHamilton • 🇳🇿 New ZealandMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong project controls expertise in cost management, reporting, scheduling, and risk management, with a focus on project financial management and stakeholder engagement. Proficient in utilizing project management tools and methodologies to enhance project delivery and reporting practices.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Project Controls ExperienceProject Financial ManagementStakeholder Relationship ManagementRisk ManagementProject Management Qualification

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Cost ManagementBudgetingForecastingVariance AnalysisSchedulingRisk ManagementProject ReportingContract AdministrationSAP Financial SystemsProject Management Tools

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsStrong Organisational SkillsCollaborative Relationship BuildingProactive Problem Solving

Certifications & Qualifications

Project Management QualificationRelevant Tertiary Qualification

Industry Keywords

PMOCivil EngineeringTransport ProjectsInfrastructure ProjectsNZSCollaborative ContractingTe Ao MāoriTikangaTe Reo MāoriTe Tiriti o Waitangi

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage project controls and associated administration across assigned projects
Support project teams with reporting, forecasting, budgeting, scheduling and risk management
Maintain and analyse project financial information, including cashflow forecasting and variance analysis
Coordinate high-quality project and programme reporting for key stakeholders
Support the identification, escalation and management of project risks and issues
Provide technical advice and guidance to ensure alignment with enterprise project controls frameworks
Build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle
Contribute to the continual improvement of project management tools, methodologies and reporting practices

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience working in a PMO, programme or project delivery environment
Strong project controls experience across cost management, reporting, scheduling and risk management
Proven experience with project financial management, including budgeting, forecasting and analysis
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 stakeholders
Ability to identify trends, risks and issues and implement proactive solutions
Experience supporting civil engineering, transport or infrastructure projects is desirable
Knowledge of contract administration and reporting, 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