Principal Protective Security Risk Advisor – PHYSEC/PERSEC

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Five weeks annual leave

Income protection

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency | Waka Kotahi (NZTA) seeks a Principal Protective Security Risk Advisor to drive physical and personnel security risk assessments across critical assets. You will influence governance decisions, guide secure-by-design outcomes and help uplift NZTA's protective security maturity.

You will work across corporate and transport services, delivering risk evaluations and practical control recommendations to strengthen security posture nationwide.

Qualifications

• This role requires strong experience in physical and personnel security risk assessments across critical assets.
• Ability to articulate findings and propose practical risk treatments using industry best practices.
• Proven track record of influencing governance forums and securing buy-in for security controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead physical security risk assessments across NZTA infrastructure and buildings.
• Provide expert advice using PSR and industry best practice.
• Produce risk artefacts including risk positions and control recommendations.
• Define risk-proportionate controls to secure assets.
• Present risks and recommendations to governance forums.
• Collaborate with project, alliances, business and technical teams to achieve security outcomes.
• Strengthen physical security control and response capability through leadership.

Skills

Security risk assessments

Threat assessment methods

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Security controls

Leadership

Education

Bachelor-level degree in security or related field

Tools

PSR framework

Risk assessment tools

Job description

• Strengthen physical risk mitigation capability across NZTA through expert advice


• Lead complex security risk assessments for critical infrastructure and sites


• Implement best practice physical security incident response procedures


• Location: Can be based in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington or Christchurch

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the Protective Security Risk team and to contribute to the uplift on NZ Transport Agency | Waka Kotahi (NZTA)'s protective security capability maturity and strengthen the organisation's cyber security and protective security maturity.

We are looking for someone with a strong background in physical and personnel security risk assessment to join our team as Principal Protective Security Risk Advisor – PHYSEC/PERSEC.

As Principal Advisor, you will work across critical corporate, regulatory and transport services and lead complex physical security risk assessments that inform strategic and operational decision-making.

This is an opportunity to influence secure‑by‑design outcomes, guide certification and accreditation activities, and help deliver resilient services that support New Zealanders.

You Will

• Lead physical security risk assessments across critical NZTA infrastructure and buildings


• Provide expert advice using PSR and industry best practice


• Produce risk evaluation artefacts, including risk positions and security control recommendations


• Define risk-proportionate security controls to support secure assets outcomes


• Present physical and personnel security risks and recommendations to governance forums


• Partner with project, alliances, business and technical teams to achieve effective security control outcomes


• Strengthen physical security control and response capability across NZTA through leadership and influence.

You Will Bring

• Ability to lead security risk assessments for a broad range physical assets and operations


• Experience and familiarity using common threat and risk assessment methodology and tools


• Sound understanding of the National Threat Assessment framework


• Expert judgement for evaluating cyber risk severity and likelihood based on actual exposure


• Ability to articulate physical security risk findings clearly and recommend practical risk treatments


• Excellent communication and time management skills


• Proven ability to work effectively within teams and across business groups


• Enthusiasm for learning and knowledge sharing.

Mō mātou |About us

At NZTA, we deliver transport networks that connect people, places and New Zealand. Te Aukaha | Digital provides the technology and information services that enable better outcomes for our customers, partners and people.

Within Digital, Security protects NZTA's people, information and technology through resilient operations, assurance, governance and secure-by-design practices.

As part of Protective Security Risk Team, you will contribute to identifying threats and security risks to NZTA. You will be an influential advisor recommending and influencing the adoption and supporting the implementation of effective security controls and response procedures.

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

• Work alongside experienced security advisors and partners to identify security threats and risks and influence security improvements through best practice security measures.


• Contribute within a culture grounded in having heart, working better together, being brave and delivering meaningful outcomes.

In Addition, You'll Benefit From

• Flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance


• Five weeks annual leave


• Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees


• Professional development and career growth opportunities


• A collaborative and inclusive culture committed to delivering meaningful outcomes for New Zealanders

Rā Katinga | Applications close

16 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.