Executive Regulatory Advisor, Transport Regulation

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks' annual leave

Income protection

Critical illness insurance

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) in Wellington seeks an experienced Lead Advisor to provide strategic leadership and high-level executive advice to our Head of Commercial Transport Regulation. You will connect strategy, evidence and operational insight to strengthen regulatory performance and safety outcomes.

The role emphasizes rapid understanding of complex issues, delivering practical advice, and influencing senior leaders across government, industry and partners.

Qualifications

• Proven executive or senior advisory experience with credibility to work with senior leaders.
• Strong regulatory background and understanding of regulatory systems.
• Excellent written communication: executive advice, governance papers, business cases.
• Strategic and systems thinking; connect objectives with operational delivery.
• Analytical capability using data to inform advice and recommendations.
• Ability to understand complex subjects quickly and identify what matters.
• Influencing and relationship management across government, industry, and stakeholders.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and managing competing priorities.
• Knowledge of Te Ao Maori, Te Reo Maori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in public service.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality strategic and executive advice to support senior leadership decisions.
• Lead business planning, performance monitoring and continuous improvement across Commercial Transport Regulation.
• Develop governance papers, strategic reports and executive-level advice.
• Use data and insights to identify risks, trends and opportunities and translate into recommendations.
• Lead complex strategic initiatives to strengthen regulatory performance and safety.
• Translate policy and government expectations into practical approaches.
• Represent senior leadership across internal, cross-agency, industry and governance forums.
• Build strong relationships with government, industry and regulatory partners.

Skills

Executive advisory

Regulatory systems

Strategic thinking

Analytical capability

Stakeholder management

Job description

NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) in Wellington seeks an experienced Lead Advisor to provide strategic leadership and high-level executive advice to our Head of Commercial Transport Regulation. You will connect strategy, evidence and operational insight to strengthen regulatory performance and safety outcomes.

The role emphasizes rapid understanding of complex issues, delivering practical advice, and influencing senior leaders across government, industry and partners.