Principal Protective Security Risk Advisor – PHYSEC/PERSEC

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency; Wellington; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

5 weeks annual leave

Income protection

Critical illness insurance

Professional development

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is seeking a Principal Protective Security Risk Advisor – PHYSEC/PERSEC to strengthen the agency's physical security risk capability. You will lead complex assessments across essential infrastructure and provide expert PSR guidance to inform strategic decisions.

You will influence secure-by-design outcomes, guide accreditation activities, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement proportionate security controls that protect assets and people across

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting risk analysis and prescribing security controls.
• Ability to lead security risk assessments for a broad range of assets.
• Familiarity with threat and risk assessment methodologies.
• Strong understanding of security standards and frameworks.
• Excellent communication and time management skills.
• Proven ability to work across teams and influence outcomes.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Physical security

Risk assessment

Threat assessment

Stakeholder communication

Leadership

Team collaboration

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 find out more about the role here

Position Description

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You're an experienced PHYSEC/PERSEC security risk assessment practitioner who thrives in collaborating with multiple business group and enjoys tackling complex and diverse security challenges. You will be experienced in conducting detailed risk analysis and prescribing fit-for-purpose security controls to manage risk within the business's risk appetite.

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

This is an opportunity to, helping strengthen the systems that support transport outcomes for New Zealand. 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.

Ko wai mātou | 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.