Strategic Lead, Rail Safety Regulation

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Auckland; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work

5 weeks annual leave

Income protection

Career development

Inclusive culture

Public safety impact

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi seeks a senior regulatory leader to drive rail safety regulation across New Zealand. You will partner with the Head of Rail Safety Regulation to shape policy, oversee regulatory systems, and deliver risk-based regulatory practices.

You will influence governance, prepare executive papers and strategic reports, and build strong cross-agency relationships to improve safety outcomes.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior advisory, regulatory, public sector, transport, safety, or related leadership role.
• Strong understanding of regulatory systems, governance, and policy frameworks.
• Proven ability to develop strategic advice, governance papers and executive reports.
• Experience leading complex programmes, projects, or cross-functional initiatives.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and systems-thinking capability.

Responsibilities

• Leading strategic initiatives that improve regulatory performance and rail safety outcomes.
• Developing and monitoring business plans, performance measures, and reporting frameworks.
• Providing trusted advice and preparing executive papers, business cases, and strategic reports.
• Representing Rail Safety Regulation in forums, governance groups, and industry engagements.
• Translating priorities into regulatory frameworks and operational guidance.
• Building partnerships across NZTA, government agencies and rail operators.
• Supporting continuous improvement and capability development across regulatory functions.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory governance

Policy analysis

Strategic leadership

Decision-making influence

Analytical thinking

Job description

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi seeks a senior regulatory leader to drive rail safety regulation across New Zealand. You will partner with the Head of Rail Safety Regulation to shape policy, oversee regulatory systems, and deliver risk-based regulatory practices.

You will influence governance, prepare executive papers and strategic reports, and build strong cross-agency relationships to improve safety outcomes.