Executive Advisor - Regulatory

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Five weeks annual leave

Career development opportunities

Values-led workplace

Job summary

NZTA | Waka Kotahi is seeking an executive advisor to act as a trusted strategic partner to the Regulatory GGM/Director Land Transport. You will influence executive decision-making and help shape future transport regulation.

You will work across NZTA and external stakeholders, provide high quality analyses, coordinate inputs for boards and ministerial briefings, and support strategy development and organisational performance.

Qualifications

• Experience providing high-quality strategic advice to senior leaders within a large, complex organisation.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking; turn insights into practical recommendations.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience supporting governance processes, strategic planning, or enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Exceptional written communication skills for executive briefings, reports, and correspondence.
• Excellent judgement, initiative, and proactive problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Providing strategic insight, thought leadership, and trusted advice to the Regulatory GGM/Director Land Transport and Regulatory Leadership Team.
• Supporting the delivery of Regulatory strategy and NZTA priorities.
• Identifying, assessing, and proactively managing risks, issues, and emerging opportunities.
• Coordinating Board, Executive Leadership Team, Committee, and ministerial inputs, including forward planning and quality assurance.
• Supporting strategy development, business planning, and major organisational initiatives.
• Strengthening leadership effectiveness, organisational alignment, and collective ways of working.
• Building strong relationships across NZTA, government agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Supporting internal communications, engagement activities, and organisational change initiatives.
• Working alongside Finance to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial oversight.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Political awareness

Relationship building

Judgement

Influencing without authority

Written communication

Job description

Trusted strategic advisor to the Regulatory GGM/Director Land TransportInfluence executive decision-making and help shape the future of New Zealand's transport regulationJoin a high-performing team delivering meaningful safety and regulatory outcomes for AotearoaTe Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunityAs Executive Advisor, you'll be the trusted strategic partner to the GGM Regulatory/Director Land Transport, working at the centre of executive leadership, governance, strategic planning, and organisational performance. You'll play a pivotal role in helping Regulatory deliver on its priorities by providing insight, challenge, coordination, and high-quality advice across a diverse and complex portfolioThis is a highly visible role that operates across organisational boundaries, connecting people, information, and initiatives to support informed decision-making and successful delivery. You'll work closely with senior leaders, executive advisors, subject matter experts, and key stakeholders across NZTA and the wider transport system to help Regulatory navigate emerging opportunities, risks, and challenges.Key responsibilities include:Providing strategic insight, thought leadership, and trusted advice to the Regulatory GGM/Director Land Transport and Regulatory Leadership TeamSupporting the delivery of Regulatory strategy and NZTA prioritiesIdentifying, assessing, and proactively managing risks, issues, and emerging opportunitiesCoordinating Board, Executive Leadership Team, Committee, and ministerial inputs, including forward planning and quality assuranceSupporting strategy development, business planning, and major organisational initiativesStrengthening leadership effectiveness, organisational alignment, and collective ways of workingBuilding strong relationships across NZTA, government agencies, and external stakeholdersSupporting internal communications, engagement activities, and organisational change initiativesWorking alongside Finance to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial oversightChampioning Te Ao Maori, Te Reo Maori, tikanga Maori, and our responsibilities under Te Tiriti o WaitangiYou can find out more about the role here: Position DescriptionKo koe tenei | About youTo be successful in this role, you'll bring a combination of strategic thinking, political awareness and understanding, relationship-building capability, and sound judgement. You will be comfortable operating in ambiguity, influencing without authority, and working across a broad range of organisational priorities.You will bring:Experience providing high-quality strategic advice and support to senior leaders within a large, complex organisationStrong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to turn insights into practical recommendationsProven ability to build trusted relationships and influence across diverse stakeholder groupsExperience supporting governance processes, strategic planning, organisational performance, or enterprise-wide initiativesExceptional written communication skills, including preparation of executive-level briefings, reports, and correspondenceStrong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environmentExcellent judgement, initiative, and a proactive approach to problem solvingThe ability to work independently while delivering outcomes through collaboration and influence.In addition, ideally, you will also have:Experience working within a regulatory, public sector, or government environmentAn understanding of regulatory systems, governance, and government decision-making processes.You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Maori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Maori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application within the public sector.Mo matou | About usTe Ropu Waeture | Regulatory is NZ's lead regulator for land transport. Our purpose is to ensure the transport system is safe, efficient, effective, and operates in the public interest. We reduce harm by being a firm and fair real-world regulator, grounded in good regulatory practice and Te Ao Maori values.Being a real-world regulator means taking a system-wide view of safety and risk. We work to understand behaviour across the transport system, encourage and educate to support compliance, and take proportionate, evidence-based enforcement action where necessary. Our people are committed to delivering better safety outcomes for New Zealanders while supporting a transport system that works for everyone.Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in returnAt NZTA, you'll be part of an organisation that is moving Aotearoa forward by creating a land transport system that connects people, products, and places.Along with meaningful work and the opportunity to influence outcomes at the highest levels of the organisation, we offer:A competitive salary and benefits packageFlexible working arrangements (role dependent)Five weeks annual leaveIncome Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employeesCareer development opportunities across a large and complex organisationA values-led, inclusive workplace where people are encouraged to grow, contribute, and succeedFind out more about our benefits here.If you're looking for a role where you can combine strategic thinking, organisational influence, and public service impact, we'd love to hear from you.Me pehea te tuku tono | How to applyPlease click Apply to upload your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.Ra Katinga | Applications close:26 October 2026For further information, email: [e-mail] be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.NZTA| Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.