Manager - Performance, Planning and Improvement

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Auckland; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Career development and learning

Collaborative and supportive team

Five weeks' annual leave

Income protection and critical illness

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi in Auckland is seeking a seasoned Manager Regulatory Planning, Performance & Improvement to lead the Commercial Transport regulatory sub-system. This senior leadership role provides end-to-end oversight of planning, performance, assurance and continuous improvement, aligning resources with strategic priorities across the system.

You will translate regulatory strategy into integrated operational plans, monitor system performance and deliver evidence-based insights

Qualifications

• Extensive regulatory leadership experience in a frontline regulatory setting.
• Track record translating strategy into operational plans and delivery.
• Strong data-driven decision making and performance management.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and stakeholders across government.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end regulatory planning, performance and improvement.
• Translate strategy into integrated plans and priorities.
• Develop and oversee reporting, assurance and quality frameworks.
• Provide evidence-based advice to senior leaders on interventions.

Skills

Regulatory leadership

Strategic planning

Performance management

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory improvement

Team leadership

Policy development

Job description

• Senior leadership opportunity within our Regulatory Group
• Lead planning, performance and continuous improvement across the Commercial Transport regulatory sub-system
• Use evidence, insight and systems thinking to strengthen regulatory delivery and outcomes
• Bring your proven regulatory leadership experience

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We have an exciting senior leadership opportunity for a Manager Regulatory Planning, Performance & Improvement to support our Commercial Transport regulatory sub-system. Created as part of the implementation of NZTA's new Regulatory Operating Model, this role provides end-to-end oversight of regulatory planning, performance, assurance and continuous improvement.

Reporting to the Head of Commercial Transport, you will help ensure regulatory resources, activities and interventions are strategically aligned, risk-informed and targeted where they will have the greatest impact. You will translate regulatory strategy into integrated operational plans, monitor system performance and provide authoritative, evidence-based insights to support prioritisation and decision-making.

This is an influential leadership role for an experienced regulatory professional who understands the realities of frontline regulation and can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery. Working across the regulatory system, you will strengthen consistency, quality and accountability while identifying opportunities to improve how the Commercial Transport sub-system operates.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Leading end-to-end oversight of Commercial Transport regulatory performance and outcomes
• Translating strategic direction and regulatory intent into integrated operational plans and priorities
• Establishing and overseeing consistent performance, reporting, assurance and quality frameworks
• Using data and insights to identify trends, emerging risks, performance issues and improvement opportunities
• Providing authoritative advice to senior leaders on regulatory interventions, priorities and trade-offs
• Driving continuous improvement and embedding learning into frameworks, tools and ways of working
• Sponsoring the development of guidance, processes and tools that enable high-quality frontline delivery
• Leading and developing a high-performing specialist team
• Building strong relationships across regulatory, operational, government and industry stakeholders
• Overseeing high-quality strategic reporting and responses to Ministerial, OIA and other formal requirements

You can find out more about the role in the Position Description.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced regulatory leader with a strong regulatory background and proven experience in operational regulation. You will bring a strong performance management background, the ability to translate complex data into meaningful insights, and practical experience leading regulatory improvement. You will understand how to apply regulatory systems, theory and good practice, translating strategic direction into practical delivery within a large, complex operating environment.

You Will Bring

• A strong regulatory background, including significant experience in operational regulation and an applied understanding of regulatory systems, frameworks and government practice
• Proven leadership experience, including building high-performing teams and strengthening capability
• A strong performance management background, with significant experience in strategic and operational planning, reporting and assurance
• Strong analytical and systems-thinking capability, with proven experience translating complex data, evidence and risk information into clear insights that support decision-making
• Experience developing frameworks, tools, processes and guidance that support consistent regulatory delivery
• Demonstrated experience leading regulatory improvement, continuous improvement or operational transformation
• Strong influencing, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• The ability to provide clear, concise and authoritative advice to senior leaders
• Sound judgement and confidence operating in complex, ambiguous and evolving environments
• A practical approach to translating strategy and insights into sustainable delivery improvements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Mō mātou | About us

Te Rōpū Waeture | Regulatory

As the lead regulator for land transport, our purpose is to ensure the system is safe, efficient, effective and operates in the public interest. Safety is our top priority, and we are committed to reducing harm by being a firm and fair real-world regulator, grounded in good regulatory practice and Te Ao Māori principles.

We take a system-wide view, focusing on outcomes and understanding why people behave as they do. We encourage and educate people to comply and enforce compliance when necessary.

Regulatory Planning, Performance & Improvement

The Regulatory Planning, Performance & Improvement function provides dedicated sub-system oversight, planning, performance monitoring and improvement support. Operating across three areas, planning the system, running the system and changing the system, the function enables efficient, effective, consistent and risk-led regulatory delivery while allowing frontline teams to focus on core regulatory activity.

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

At NZTA, you will help shape the future of New Zealand’s transport system while working alongside talented people who are committed to making a difference. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence commercial transport regulatory performance at a system level and help embed our Regulatory Operating Model.

Along With a Competitive Salary Package, We Offer

• Flexible working arrangements, depending on the requirements of the role
• Career development and learning opportunities
• A collaborative and supportive working environment
• Five weeks' annual leave
• Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees
• Access to a range of employee benefits and wellbeing initiatives

Rā Katinga | Applications close

4 November 2026

For further information, email: [e-mail]

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.