Senior Advisor Regulatory Practice

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

5 weeks annual leave

Competitive salary

Job summary

NZTA | Waka Kotahi is seeking a Regulatory Practice professional to transform regulatory expectations into practical guidance, tools and resources. You will help embed best practice and strengthen regulatory delivery across the organisation.

Collaborating with regulatory leaders and practitioners, you will develop and sustain a scalable Practice Framework, while coaching a regulatory practice community and promoting aligned delivery across functions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in frontline regulatory delivery roles.
• Ability to interpret legal/policy/technical information and translate into accessible guidance.
• Strong documentation and process design skills, using analytical thinking and attention to detail.
• Experience collaborating across technical, operational and business teams with strong relationship-building and communication.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and learning.
• Knowledge of Te Ao Māori, tikanga, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Transform regulatory expectations into clear, practical guidance, tools and resources.
• Develop and sustain NZTA's regulatory practice framework and coaching networks.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across the regulatory system and with external partners.
• Provide trusted advice to help teams adopt and apply the Practice Framework.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within regulatory practice.

Skills

Regulatory delivery

Policy interpretation

Documentation and process design

Stakeholder relationship building

Continuous improvement mindset

Te Ao Māori / Te Tiriti understanding

Job description

Improve NZTA's regulatory practice tools, guidance and frameworksTurn regulatory requirements into clear, practical guidanceBuild strong relationships and help grow capability across the regulatory systemTe Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunityYou will join our team that is shaping the future of regulatory practice at NZTA. In this role, you'll help bring the Practice Framework to life by transforming regulatory expectations into clear, practical guidance, tools and resources that support consistent, confident and high-quality regulatory decision-making across the organisation.Working alongside the Principal Advisor - Regulatory Practice, you'll collaborate with regulatory leaders, practitioners and key stakeholders to embed best practice and strengthen how regulatory work is delivered. You'll provide trusted advice and support, helping teams understand, adopt and apply the Practice Framework in a way that is practical, effective and fit for purpose.This is an opportunity to influence system-wide improvement and contribute to a more mature, connected and effective regulatory environment. Through insights, feedback and continuous improvement initiatives, you'll help drive better practice, build capability and support positive outcomes for New Zealanders.This is a key role where you'll:Support the development and continuous improvement of NZTA's regulatory practice framework, delivering practical, user-focused tools and guidance that drive consistent, high-quality regulatory practice.Ensure that regulatory practice expectations translate into clear quality frameworks, standards, guidance and tools that can be consistently applied across regulatory functions in the organisation.Be involved in the development and sustainment of an NZTA practice community and coaching and quality network, lifting capability and promoting aligned practice delivery across the regulatory workforce.Build and maintain strong relationships across the regulatory system and with external partners, supporting alignment with good regulatory practice, sector expectations and emerging standards.You will find out more about the role hereKo koe tenei | About youOur ideal candidate will have some or all of the following:Proven experience in frontline regulatory delivery rolesDemonstrated ability to interpret legal/policy/technical information and translate this into accessible, user-friendly guidanceStrong documentation and process design skills, using analytical thinking alongside your attention to detailExperience working collaboratively across technical, operational and business teams using your highly developed relationship building and communications skillsA commitment to continuous improvement and learningYou will also demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to build understanding of Te Ao Maori, tikanga, and theprinciples of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the public sector.Ko wai matou | About usNZTA is responsible for delivering a safe, efficient and effective land transport system for Aotearoa.Te Ropu 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 continuously improving 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 returnWe care about our people and invest in supporting our staff at NZTA. If you join us, you can expect:A supportive working environmentFlexible working optionsA competitive salary package, aligned with your skills and experience5 weeks annual leave and other great benefits.Ready to take the next step in your career? We'd love to hear from youMe pehea te tuku tono | How to applyApply today by including a cover letter detailing why you are the ideal candidate for this role and attach along with your CV.Ra 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.NZTA| 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.