Lead Advisor Rail Safety Regulation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Five weeks annual leave

Income protection & Critical Illness

Professional development and career成长

Collaborative and inclusive culture

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency (WakaKotahi) is seeking a Lead Advisor– Rail Safety Regulation to strengthen the regulatory system across New Zealand. You will be a trusted strategic partner to the Head of Rail Safety Regulation, guiding evidence-based, risk-informed regulation in collaboration with NZTA and government agencies.

The role requires senior advisory or strategic leadership experience in regulatory, transport, or safety sectors, with strong governance and policy capabilities.

Qualifications

• Senior advisory/regulatory/public sector leadership experience
• Strong understanding of regulatory systems, governance and policy frameworks
• Proven ability to develop strategic advice, governance papers and executive-level reports

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic regulatory initiatives to improve performance and rail safety outcomes
• Develop and monitor business plans, performance measures, and reporting frameworks
• Provide trusted advice and prepare high-quality executive papers, business cases, and strategic reports
• Represent Rail Safety Regulation in internal/external forums and industry engagements
• Coordinate across NZTA and government agencies to ensure risk-based regulatory practice
• Build partnerships across NZTA, government agencies, rail operators and industry bodies
• Translate legislative and policy priorities into practical regulatory frameworks and guidance
• Support continuous improvement and capability development across the regulatory function

Skills

Regulatory leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Job description

Lead strategic regulatory initiatives that help shape the future of rail safety in Aotearoa

Influence regulatory policy, operational practice, and system-wide safety outcomes Join a high-performing team committed to delivering safe, effective, and risk-based regulation

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced senior advisor, regulatory professional, or strategic leader to play a key role in strengthening rail safety regulation across NewZealand. As Lead Advisor– Rail Safety Regulation, you will be a trusted strategic partner to the Head of Rail Safety Regulation, helping oversee and continuously improve the rail regulatory system. Working acrossNZTA and alongside government agencies, rail operators, and industry stakeholders, you’ll help ensure regulatory activities are evidence-based, risk-informed, and aligned with NZTA's strategic direction. You’ll combine strategic thinking with practical delivery, translating regulatory priorities into meaningful action that helps keep NewZealand's rail network safe.

Key responsibilities

• Leading strategic initiatives that improve regulatory performance and rail safety outcomes
• Developing and monitoring business plans, performance measures, and reporting frameworks
• Providing trusted advice and preparing high‑quality executive papers, business cases, and strategic reports
• Representing Rail Safety Regulation in internal and external forums, governance groups, and industry engagements
• Working across regulatory systems to support consistent, risk‑based regulatory practice
• Building strong partnerships across NZTA, government agencies, rail operators, and industry bodies
• Translating legislative, policy, and government priorities into practical regulatory frameworks and operational guidance
• Supporting continuous improvement and capability development across the regulatory function

You will find out more about the role here: Position Description

Ko koe tēnei | About you

The ideal person for this role will be a strategic thinker who enjoys working in complex environments and influencing outcomes across a broad range of stakeholders. You will be someone who will bring sound judgement, strong communication skills, and the ability to move confidently between strategic planning and operational delivery. To be successful in this role, it is essential that you will bring:

• Significant experience in a senior advisory, regulatory, public sector, transport, safety, or related leadership role
• Strong understanding of regulatory systems, governance, and policy frameworks
• Proven ability to develop strategic advice, business cases, governance papers, and executive‑level reports
• Demonstrated experience leading complex programmes, projects, or cross‑functional initiatives
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and systems‑thinking capability
• Experience influencing decision‑making and working effectively with senior leaders

The following would be ideal:

• Experience within the transport, rail, infrastructure, safety, or regulatory sectors
• Knowledge of performance monitoring, risk management, and regulatory assurance

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies in the public service.

Mō mātou | About us

At NZ Transport AgencyWakaKotahi, our purpose is to create transport networks that deliver for people, places, and NewZealand. TeRōpū Waeture | Regulatory exists to help ensure the land transport system is safe by providing oversight of regulatory interventions, informing responsive regulation through monitoring and review, and supporting effective compliance management across the transport system. The Rail Safety Regulation team is responsible for regulating NewZealand's rail system, covering both infrastructure and operations. The team works to improve safety and ensure risks are actively managed through licensing, compliance monitoring, and regulatory response activities using an intelligence‑led and risk‑based approach.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return

This is a unique opportunity to influence rail safety outcomes on a national scale while working alongside highly experienced regulatory, policy, and transport professionals. In addition, you’ll benefit from:

• Flexible working arrangements that support work‑life balance
• Five weeks annual leave
• Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees
• Professional development and career growth opportunities
• A collaborative and inclusive culture committed to delivering meaningful outcomes for NewZealanders
• The opportunity to contribute to work that directly supports public safety and system stewardship

Mō mātou | About us

At WakaKotahi NZ Transport Agency, it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. WakaKotahi has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years time.

Rā Katinga | Applications close

27September2026

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in NewZealand.

WakaKotahi 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.