Manager Investigations AML/CFT and Charities

Department of Internal Affairs; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 138,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Internal Affairs in Wellington is seeking a Manager of AML/CFT and Charities Investigations. This fixed-term, full-time leadership role oversees a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality investigations and regulatory outcomes.

You will translate strategy into actionable work programmes, drive capability growth, and work closely with senior technical experts and legal partners to maintain rigorous standards and impactful enforcement outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading investigations teams in complex environments.
• Strong change management and growth experience.
• Strategic vision with disciplined execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary investigations team across AML/CFT and Charities.
• Translate strategy into priorities, work programmes and delivery.
• Set quality, consistency and professional standards in investigations.
• Navigate change and support staff through evolving models.
• Collaborate with technical experts, legal partners and senior leaders.
• Foster accountability, learning and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Manager Investigations AML/CFT and Charities

Job Info

• Job Identification 1002703
• Job Category Management
• Locations 45 Pipitea Street, Wellington, 6011, NZ
• Job Schedule Full time

Job Description

Manager – AML/CFT and Charities Investigations

Wellington | Salary range: $137,963 - $171,688

Fixed term ASAP until end of June 2027

The Department of Internal Affairs | Te Tari Taiwhenua is a risk‑based, intelligence‑driven regulator, and we are at a pivotal point of change. We are strengthening our AML/CFT and Charities investigation capability, sharpening our regulatory focus, and lifting how we deliver enforcement with impact.

This is a complex leadership role, and a rare opportunity to shape a growing investigative function at pace.

We’re looking for an exceptional people leader to lead our AML/CFT and Charities Investigations team through a period of growth and change. This role is about building a high‑performing team, translating strategy into action, and creating the conditions for consistently excellent delivery.

The role

As Manager, you’ll lead a multidisciplinary team of investigators working across AML/CFT and Charities regulatory systems. Reporting to the Director Regulatory Intelligence & Investigations, you’ll be responsible for performance, capability, culture, and direction, while working closely alongside senior technical specialists and subject‑matter experts.

You will:

• Lead and develop a high‑performing investigations team in a complex, evolving environment
• Grow capability and capacity at pace, ensuring the team is set up for future demands
• Translate strategic intent into clear priorities, work programmes, and delivery
• Set clear expectations for quality, consistency, and professionalism in investigations
• Navigate change confidently, supporting people through shifting priorities and operating models
• Work closely with technical experts, legal partners, and senior leaders to deliver strong regulatory outcomes
• Foster a culture of accountability, learning, and continuous improvement

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking a proven people leader who knows how to build teams that perform under pressure and deliver with consistency and confidence.

You’ll bring:

• Deep experience leading and developing high‑performing teams in complex environments
• A strong track record of managing change, growth, and competing priorities
• Strategic vision for a growing function, and the discipline to turn that vision into action
• High standards for delivery, quality, and professional practice
• Strong judgement, credibility, and the ability to influence at senior levels
• A leadership style that is clear, supportive, and outcomes‑focused

Experience in investigations, regulation, or enforcement is strongly preferred, and as you will work closely with senior technical experts in the team, the key focus of the role is leading people, setting direction, and delivering results.

Why this role matters

This team sits at the centre of significant regulatory change. You’ll be leading through complexity, helping shape the future of AML/CFT and charities investigations, and ensuring the team delivers work that stands up to scrutiny and makes a real difference.