Principal Advisor Practice

New Zealand Transport Agency; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

5 weeks annual leave

Competitive salary package

Job summary

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency in Wellington invites you to lead our regulatory Practice Framework, turning strategy into practical, fit-for-purpose guidance that drives high-quality outcomes. You’ll be the trusted expert in regulatory practice, shaping improvements across the organisation.

You’ll coach leaders and practitioners, build communities of practice, and foster a connected, capable workforce that delivers better outcomes for New Zealanders.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in regulatory practice with operational experience.
• Experience designing and applying regulatory practice frameworks, processes and guidance.
• Strong documentation and analytical skills with high attention to detail.
• Advanced strategic and analytical thinking skills.
• Well-developed critical thinking, research, and ability to interpret and apply legislation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and ability to navigate complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and enhance NZTA’s regulatory practice framework to support consistent, high-quality regulatory delivery.
• Provide expert guidance, frameworks and tools that enable best-practice regulatory decision-making.
• Identify risks, trends and opportunities, delivering practical solutions to improve regulatory performance.
• Grow a highly capable regulatory workforce through leadership, coaching and quality systems.

Skills

Regulatory practice

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership coaching

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Job description

Lead NZTA’s regulatory Practice Framework and best practice Drive improvements that strengthen regulatory performance and outcomes Build capability through coaching and collaboration Wellington based Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

The opportunity

In this influential role, you'll lead our regulatory Practice Framework, turning strategy into practical, fit-for-purpose guidance that drives high-quality, consistent regulatory outcomes. You'll be the trusted expert in regulatory practice, working across the organisation to identify opportunities for improvement, champion modern regulatory approaches, and provide leadership that strengthens capability, consistency and performance. Just as importantly, you'll bring people together. By building strong relationships, supporting communities of practice, and coaching leaders and practitioners, you'll help create a connected, capable regulatory workforce that delivers better outcomes for New Zealanders. This is a key leadership role where you’ll:

• Lead and enhance NZTA’s regulatory practice framework to support consistent, high-quality regulatory delivery.
• Provide expert guidance, frameworks and tools that enable best-practice regulatory decision-making.
• Identify risks, trends and opportunities, delivering practical solutions to improve regulatory performance.
• Grow a highly capable regulatory workforce through leadership, coaching and quality systems that increase capability and excellence.

About you

Ko koe tēnei

Our ideal candidate will have some or all of the following:

• Demonstrated expertise in regulatory practice, with significant operational experience in a regulatory environment.
• Experience designing and applying regulatory practice frameworks, processes and guidance.
• Strong documentation, process design and analytical skills, with high attention to detail.
• Advanced strategic and analytical thinking skills.
• Well-developed critical thinking, research, and ability to interpret and apply legislation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience navigating complex environments.
• Ability to plan, prioritise, lead and deliver work effectively.

You will also demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to build understanding of Te Ao Māori, tikanga, and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the public sector.

About us

Ko wai mātou

NZTA is responsible for delivering a safe, efficient and effective land transport system for Aotearoa. Te Rōpū Waeture – Regulatory plays a critical role as the lead regulator for land transport – taking a system wide, risk-based approach to improving safety outcomes and reducing harm. This includes designing and continuously improving regulatory frameworks that are evidence based, proportionate, and responsive to the needs of the sector.

What you will get in return

We care about our people and invest in supporting our staff at NZTA. If you join us, you can expect:

• A supportive working environment.
• Flexible working options.
• A competitive salary package, aligned with your skills and experience.
• 5 weeks annual leave and other great benefits.

Applications close: 20 October 2026

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

For further information, email: [e-mail]

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.

About us

At Waka Kotahi 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. Waka Kotahi 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.