Principal Compliance Officer

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 109,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

A government transport agency in Christchurch is seeking a Principal Compliance Officer to enhance their culture of continuous improvement. The role involves managing compliance work programs, mentoring staff, and engaging stakeholders to ensure safety standards in transport operations. Candidates should have extensive regulatory experience and strong analytical skills. This position offers a competitive salary and flexible working options.

Benefits

5 weeks annual leave

Flexible working options

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a regulatory or compliance environment.
• Proven ability to lead complex investigations or audits.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day delivery of the work programme.
• Coach and mentor team members in risk identification and assessment.
• Engage proactively with commercial operators and stakeholders.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Coaching and mentoring

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Tertiary qualification in regulatory compliance

Job description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We have an opportunity for a Principal Compliance Officer to join our team. This is a role where you will play a pivotal part in growing our culture of continuous improvement and be our regulatory subject matter expert.

Responsibilities

• Managing day to day delivery of the work programme to ensure that key performance targets are met
• Coaching and mentoring team members in the areas of risk identification and assessment, audits and investigations, good regulatory decision making and application of interventions, critical thinking and continuous improvement
• Proactively engaging with commercial operators and drivers, stakeholders and service providers on matters of compliance and non-compliance
• Employing effective regulatory tools to ensure transport service licence holders are achieving the highest level of safety and compliance

This position requires a full clean driver’s license.

You will find out more about the role here.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $109,408 to $133,720 per annum commensurate to skills and experience.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

About

• Extensive experience in a regulatory or compliance environment and be able to navigate complex frameworks to ensure standards are met
• Proven ability to lead complex investigations or audits
• Experience in reporting on workflow and outcomes, and able to clearly communicate workflow progress and outcomes
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills along with systems thinking
• Experience in mentoring and coaching others
• Ability to build strong stakeholder relationships and build credibility
• 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 (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public service.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification or relevant experience in a regulatory compliance role

Ko wai mātou | About us

The Safer Commercial Transport team is responsible for regulating commercial transport operators: from heavy vehicles to small passenger services. We do this by monitoring our sector through audits, reviews and investigations and working with industry to drive best practice. The team regulates transport operators that have been licensed to operate as a transport service.

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

12 October 2025

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.