Regulatory Services Principal

Join our team; Ngaruawahia; On-site; NZD 102,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Flexible working options

Annual performance and remuneration"

Access subsidised health insurance

Birthday leave

Work-life balance day every six months

Employee Assistance Programme

Employee wellbeing programme

Free health checks, training and at年_W

Boost discounts and special offers

Job summary

Waikato District Council is seeking a Regulatory Services Principal to lead regulatory practice and provide trusted advice to managers and experts. You will shape frameworks, guide policy, and drive improvements that deliver fair, efficient services for our communities.

Join a collaborative team and influence how regulatory outcomes are delivered across the district, building strong relationships with internal teams and external partners to create safer, thriving communities.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in compliance, enforcement, regulatory practice, investigations, or a related field.
• Ability to provide trusted advice and sound judgement in complex situations.
• Experience developing frameworks, policies, strategies, or approaches that improve service delivery.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• A collaborative and supportive leadership style.
• A commitment to fairness, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Shape regulatory frameworks and provide guidance on complex matters.
• Develop and refine policies, strategies, or frameworks to improve service delivery.
• Lead and support the regulatory team, guiding best practice.
• Build and maintain relationships across the organisation and with external partners.

Skills

Regulatory expertise

Trusted advisory

Policy development

Analytical problem-solving

Communication & relationships

Collaborative leadership

Fairness & integrity

Job description

Some roles are about enforcing legislation. Others are about shaping how regulation is delivered. This role does both.

Help create safer communities while supporting people to do the right thing.

At Waikato District Council, we believe great regulation is about more than rules and enforcement. It's about working alongside our communities, building trust, solving problems, and creating places where people can thrive.

We're looking for a skilled and experienced Regulatory Services Principal to help shape the future of regulatory services across our growing district.

This is a rare opportunity to influence how we deliver regulatory outcomes, support our people, and make a meaningful difference for the communities we serve.

The opportunity

As our Regulatory Services Principal, you'll be a trusted advisor, strategic thinker, and leader in regulatory practice. You'll work closely with managers, team leaders, and subject matter experts to strengthen capability, guide best practice, and ensure our regulatory approaches are fair, consistent, and focused on achieving positive community outcomes.

What will I do?

This role offers a unique blend of strategy, leadership, and technical expertise. You'll help shape regulatory frameworks, provide guidance on complex and sensitive matters, identify opportunities for improvement, and contribute to the ongoing development of a modern, responsive regulatory service.

Importantly, you'll build strong relationships across the organisation and with external partners, helping bring people together around a shared goal of serving our communities well.

What will I bring?

We're looking for someone who combines strong regulatory expertise with a genuine passion for people.

• Significant experience in compliance, enforcement, regulatory practice, investigations, or a related field
• The ability to provide trusted advice and sound judgement in complex situations
• Experience developing frameworks, policies, strategies, or approaches that improve service delivery
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• A collaborative and supportive leadership style
• A commitment to fairness, integrity, and continuous improvement

Most importantly, you'll enjoy working with people, sharing your knowledge, and helping others grow and succeed.

Why join our team?

At Waikato District Council, we're proud of the work we do and the positive impact it has on our communities. We know that great outcomes start with great people, which is why we focus on creating an environment where our teams feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Influence the future direction of regulatory services
• Work alongside passionate and knowledgeable professionals
• Mentor and support others across the organisation
• Lead meaningful improvements that benefit our customers and communities
• Make a real difference in one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts

Additional Information

Salary circa $120K dependent on skills and experience.

Waikato District Council offers a range of benefits to employees:

• Enjoy free parking.
• Make work, work for you with flexible working options.
• Benefit from annual performance and remuneration reviews.
• Access subsidised health insurance.
• Celebrate with a day of birthday leave.
• Receive a work-life balance day every six months after your first year.
• Access confidential support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Take advantage of our employee wellbeing programme.
• Receive free health checks, training and education at our annual Work Safe Home Safe event.
• Save with Boost discounts and special offers from New Zealand retailers and service providers.

We have a strong safety culture and as part of this our preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment medical assessment which includes alcohol and drug testing.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Location(s) Ngaaruawaahia

Expertise Engineering & Technical, Governance, Licensing & Compliance, Risk & Assurance