Principal/Senior Principal Transport Planner
Communities sit at the heart of everything we do. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.
Our transportation team continues to deliver some of the New Zealand’s most iconic and city-shaping projects, that deliver accessible and reliable transport options getting people and freight from A to B. Our 220-strong team is proud to work with local authorities and councils on efforts spanning state highways, rail, road safety, disaster preparedness, and asset management. We’re focused on futureproofing our infrastructure and creating smarter transport choices for our clients and communities
If you are looking to join a firm that offers the ideal blend between complex work, meaningful community impact, strong career development and genuine work/life balance then look no further.
About the role
This is an exciting time to be a Transport Planner in New Zealand and Stantec are leading the charge.
You will provide senior technical leadership across a diverse portfolio or transport planning projects, including investment and business cases for capital and service improvement projects, system and network plans, and transport strategy, policy and research projects. Your work will shape future transport outcomes, while your ability to nurture strong client relationships and identify and secure business opportunities will support Stantec’s continued growth in the sector.
Your project management skills will see you leading and managing projects ensuring delivery excellence across budget, programme, technical and quality standards meet both the client and Stantec expectations. You will work as part of a constructive and collaborative team environment where diverse thinking and new ideas are encouraged.
Day-to-day responsibilities will involve:
Providing technical leadership on a range of transport planning projects, delivering high-quality advice to support investment and transport planning decisions.
Leading and guiding investment planning studies, offering technical direction, coaching and expertise.
Applying technical capabilities across transport planning fields such as investment case process, economic evaluation, modelling, public transport, active transport, asset management and strategic transport planning.
Planning programming and coordinating projects as Project Manager or Project Technical Lead with smart and innovative outcomes that contribute to project objectives.
Providing technical and professional leadership /mentoring to intermediate/junior team members.
Developing strong relationships with key clients including NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, KiwiRail, Local Authority and Private Sector clients to identify business opportunities and ensure project delivery requirements are met.
Preparing Expression of Interest responses, proposals, and contributing to strategic marketing initiatives.
What we offer
One of our biggest strengths is our commitment to professional growth. We actively support your development and career aspirations, while fostering a collaborative team culture within our vibrant Auckland office. At Stantec, you’ll be backed by global expertise but empowered to deliver solutions tailored to local needs.
We’re proud to offer many supportive benefits, including:
Professional development and support
Flexible working arrangements, including purchasing up to an extra four weeks of leave and provision for school term contracts, part-time, and job sharing
Learning and talent development programmes, including global, online, and on-the-job opportunities
Professional memberships
Service recognition awards
Mentorship
Wellbeing and connection opportunities
Health insurance, income continuance insurance, and life insurance
Employee assistance program
Developing Professionals Group, a global network for those with under 10 years of experience
Office Social Club and events
About us
The Stantec community unites approximately 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across six continents. We collaborate across disciplines and industries to bring buildings, energy, resources, water, environmental, transport and infrastructure projects to life. Our work from initial project concept and planning through design, construction, and commissioning begins at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships.
How to apply
To discuss this in more detail contact Margaret McMeel 09 580 4502 or 027 544 2930 or apply directly online.
Applications close Friday 6 March 2026
To be successful in this role you’ll need
- A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification.
- Be a chartered professional or working toward registration with a relevant professional body.
- Extensive senior-level transport planning experience (typically 12+ years).
- Demonstrated knowledge of business and project finances.
- Excellent investigation, analytical and report writing skills, particularly in business and investment cases.
- Excellent inter-personal skills with an ability to build trust and form strong relationships with clients and colleagues.