Lead Advisor Rail Safety Regulation

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Five weeks annual leave

Income Protection

Career development

Collaborative culture

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking a Lead Advisor to strengthen rail safety regulation across New Zealand. The role partners with the Head of Rail Safety Regulation to shape regulatory policy, governance, and evidence-based practice.

You will translate priorities into practical frameworks and deliver strategic reports. You will work across NZTA, government bodies, rail operators, and industry stakeholders to continually improve safety outcomes while guiding policy development and

Qualifications

• 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, governance papers, and executive-level reports.

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

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Governance

Policy development

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 New Zealand. 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 across NZTA 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 New Zealand's rail network safe.

Key Responsibilities Include

• 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 Agency Waka Kotahi, our purpose is to create transport networks that deliver for people, places, and New Zealand.

Te Rōpū 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 New Zealand'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 New Zealanders
• The opportunity to contribute to work that directly supports public safety and system stewardship

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

27 September 2026

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

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.