Head of Regulatory Services & Compliance

Wellington City Council; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Flexible working options

Health and wellbeing support

Council staff discounts

Learning and development programmes

Job summary

Wellington City Council seeks an exceptional leader to head Regulatory Services, guiding a large, multidisciplinary team in building consents, environmental health, inspections, and enforcement across Wellington.

You will report to the Chief Planning Officer and lead six direct reports within a ~120-strong organisation, shaping regulatory policy and ensuring lawful, transparent decision-making in a politically sensitive environment.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in regulatory environments.
• Experience leading regulatory teams (compliance, building control, inspection, enforcement).
• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks and public sector legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across Council's regulatory functions.
• Ensure regulatory decisions are lawful, evidence-based, and scrutinizable.
• Drive excellence in customer-focused regulatory services.
• Lead continuous improvement of regulatory systems and processes.
• Build relationships with elected members, government agencies, and communities.
• Influence regulatory initiatives and legislative reform.
• Contribute to Council-wide strategy and performance.

Skills

Regulatory leadership

Stakeholder management

Change management

Strategic thinking

Public sector knowledge

Education

Degree in public policy, law, or related field

Job description

Wellington City Council seeks an exceptional leader to head Regulatory Services, guiding a large, multidisciplinary team in building consents, environmental health, inspections, and enforcement across Wellington.

You will report to the Chief Planning Officer and lead six direct reports within a ~120-strong organisation, shaping regulatory policy and ensuring lawful, transparent decision-making in a politically sensitive environment.