Manager Security Assurance

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks' annual leave

Income protection and critical illness

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development and continued

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency | Waka Kotahi is seeking an experienced Manager Security Assurance to lead the independent Security Assurance function and a team of five specialists. You will provide executive confidence that security risks are understood, managed and transparently reported.

You will own the enterprise assurance programme, test whether cyber and protective security controls actually work, and provide evidence-based confidence to executives, the Board and external oversight bodies.

Qualifications

• Experience leading independent security assurance, audit or control functions.
• Knowledge of NZISM and PSR applied through assurance not compliance.
• Track record presenting assurance outcomes to executives and boards.
• Ability to maintain an independent stance in governance contexts.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and manage the assurance team and budget.
• Own and improve NZTA's enterprise security assurance programme and methodology.
• Test design and operating effectiveness of cyber and protective security controls.
• Validate that risk treatments are actually closed, not just reported as closed.
• Identify systemic control weaknesses and present options to leadership.
• Report independently to the CISO, Digital Leadership Team and Board audit processes.
• Lead engagement with auditors and oversight bodies.

Skills

Security assurance leadership

Audit/controls

GRC tooling

NZISM/PSR knowledge

Executive/board presentation

Independent escalation authority

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

CISA

CISSP

CRISC

CISM

Tools

Assurance tooling

GRC tooling

Job description

Lead NZTA's independent security assurance function and a team of five

Direct escalation line to the CISO and Board, unfiltered

Test whether controls actually work, not just whether they exist

Location : Auckland, Hamilton or Wellington

The opportunity

We're looking for an experienced security assurance professional to lead NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi's (NZTA) independent Security Assurance function and a team of five specialists.

As Manager Security Assurance, you will provide executive leaders, governance forums and external stakeholders with confidence that security risks are understood, managed and transparently reported.

You'll own the enterprise assurance programme, test whether our cyber and protective security controls actually work and give executives, the Board and external oversight bodies evidence‑based confidence in our security position. That covers our own systems and the third parties we rely on.

The role is genuinely independent. You'll set the assurance scope, method and conclusions, with direct escalation rights to the CISO and Board audit and risk processes.

As a member of the Security Leadership Team you'll bring that independent perspective to our security strategy and investment decisions.

Key responsibilities include :

• Lead, develop and manage the assurance team and budget
• Own and continuously improve NZTA's enterprise security assurance programme and methodology
• Test the design and operating effectiveness of cyber and protective security controls
• Validate that risk treatments are actually closed, not just reported as closed
• Identify systemic control weaknesses and elevate material findings with options
• Report independently to the CISO, Digital Leadership Team and Board audit and risk processes
• Lead engagement with auditors and other oversight bodies

About you

You will be an accomplished security assurance, audit or risk leader with experience operating in a large and complex environment, bringing credibility, sound judgement and the ability to influence at senior levels.

To be successful in this role, you will bring :

• Significant experience leading independent security assurance, audit or control effectiveness functions in a large, complex organisation
• Expertise assessing cyber and protective security controls including in third‑party and outsourced environments
• Strong knowledge of NZISM and PSR applied through assurance rather than compliance
• A track record of presenting assurance outcomes to executives, Boards and audit committees
• The confidence to hold an independent position and hold an independent position?
• Experience leading and developing specialist assurance teams
• Working knowledge of GRC and assurance tooling
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience. Certifications such as CISA, CISSP, CRISC or CISM held or being pursued

Please note : You must be able to achieve and maintain a New Zealand national security clearance up to and including SECRET.

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 sector.

About us

Te Aukaha | Digital provides modern, fit-for-purpose digital, information and technology solutions that support decision‑making and make it easier for our people, partners and customers to work with us.

Our Security team enables NZTA to safely deliver its outcomes by reducing enterprise security risk across our people, places, information and technology.

Security Assurance provides independent assurance over the design, implementation and operation of the security controls NZTA relies on under the Protective Security Requirements.

Coverage is planned on risk, conclusions aren't subject to direction from any other function and we're already using AI‑assisted automation to make assurance faster and more evidence‑driven.

What you will get in return

• Five weeks' annual leave
• Income protection and critical illness insurance for permanent employees
• Flexible working arrangements, where appropriate for the role
• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning

Rā Katinga | Applications close : 18 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.

NZTA| 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.