Principal Advisor Regulatory Practice

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency; Wellington, Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Flexible working options

Competitive salary package

Job summary

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is seeking a Principal Advisor to lead its Regulatory Practice. Based in Wellington, you will shape the regulatory framework, drive improvements, and provide practical guidance to ensure high-quality regulatory delivery across the organisation.

You will bring deep regulatory expertise, stakeholder engagement skills, and a track record of coaching leaders and practitioners to build a capable regulatory workforce that delivers better outcomes for New Zealanders.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and applying regulatory practice frameworks.
• Strong documentation, process design and analysis skills.
• Ability to plan, prioritise, lead and deliver work in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead NZ Transport Agency's regulatory practice framework and improve regulatory outcomes.
• Provide expert guidance, frameworks and tools for best-practice regulatory decision-making.
• Grow capability through leadership, coaching and quality systems.

Skills

Regulatory practice

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Coaching & capability building

Job description

## Principal Advisor Regulatory PracticeApply: Wellington: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: October 21, 2026 (12 days left to apply): JR-0000013533* 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**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 You will find out more about the role here**Ko koe** **tēnei | About you**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 theprinciples of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the public sector. **Ko wai mātou | About us** 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 continuouslyimproving regulatory frameworks that are evidence based, proportionate, and responsive to the needs of the sector.**Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | 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. Ready to take the next step in your career? We’d love to hear from you**Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply**Apply today by including a cover letter detailing why you are the ideal candidate for this role and attach along with your CV.**Rā Katinga | Applications close:**20 October 2026For further information, email: [e-mail] 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.