Team Lead – Regulatory Framework

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 134,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking a Team Lead – Regulatory Framework to drive end-to-end delivery of regulatory initiatives across New Zealand’s land transport system.

You will lead agile squads, translate system design into deliverable programmes and ensure standards, guidance and policy are delivered on time while aligning with strategic objectives.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing, multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of modern regulatory practice principles and framework development.
• Experience delivering operational policy and/or standards from concept to implementation.
• Planning, prioritisation and delivery management across complex workstreams.
• The ability to turn strategic direction into clearly scoped, prioritised work programmes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement across technical, legal and operational environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead agile, multidisciplinary squads to deliver regulatory framework initiatives.
• Own end-to-end delivery of commissioned work from planning to uptake.
• Translate regulatory system design into practical, deliverable programmes.
• Drive delivery discipline and manage competing priorities.

Skills

Team leadership

Regulatory framework

Delivery management

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

• Lead agile, multidisciplinary teams to turn regulatory strategy into practical, implementable outcomes
• Own the end-to-end delivery of standards, guidance and operational policy that support a safe and effective land transport system
• Permanent opportunity based in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch or Palmerston North

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This is an opportunity to join NZTA's Regulatory Design and Enablement team and lead the delivery of regulatory framework initiatives that give effect to legislation, strategy and system priorities across New Zealand's land transport system.

As Team Lead – Regulatory Framework, you will be responsible for leading agile, multidisciplinary squads and owning the end-to-end delivery of commissioned work packages, from planning and scoping through to implementation and operational uptake. you’ll translate regulatory system design into practical, deliverable programmes of work, ensuring standards, guidance and operational policy are delivered on time and aligned with strategic objectives.

Working closely with regulatory, operational, legal and technical stakeholders, you'll drive delivery discipline, manage competing priorities, remove blockers and ensure solutions are practical, risk-based and fit for purpose. You'll also play a key role in building capability within your team and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.

Leading a small team, this role offers the opportunity to influence how regulatory interventions are designed and delivered while contributing to a safer, more effective and balanced land transport regulatory system.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $133,632 - $163,328 commensurate to skills and experience.

You will find out more about the role here: Position Description.

Ō Pūmanawa | What we’re looking for

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing, multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of modern regulatory practice principles and regulatory framework development.
• Experience delivering operational policy and/or standards and guidance from concept through to implementation.
• Demonstrated planning, prioritisation and delivery management capability across multiple complex workstreams.
• The ability to turn strategic direction into clearly scoped, prioritised and actionable work programmes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to influence across technical, legal, operational and industry environments.
• Experience integrating multiple perspectives and expertise to deliver practical, user-focused solutions.
• Strategic and systems thinking, coupled with strong judgement and decision-making skills.
• A continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify opportunities to simplify and improve regulatory delivery.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to develop an understanding of, Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and their application within the public sector.

Mō mātou | About Us

At NZTA, our purpose is to deliver transport networks that work for people, places and New Zealand. As the lead regulator for land transport, we work to ensure the system is safe, efficient, effective and operates in the public interest. We reduce harm through evidence-based regulation, strong partnerships and a commitment to continuous improvement.

The Regulatory Design and Enablement team designs best-practice regulatory systems and uses evidence and risk-based insights to create smarter, more effective regulatory outcomes. Within this function, the Regulatory Framework team plays a critical role in ensuring legislation and strategy are translated into practical standards, guidance and operational policy that support regulatory effectiveness and compliance.

He aha te take e uru ai koe ki a mātou? | So, why join us?

Our people are proud to be part of creating a better New Zealand. We’re searching for candidates who share our passion for people, communities, and the environment and who are ready to contribute their unique skills to shape a better future.

At NZTA, you’ll be part of an organisation where the different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences of our people are celebrated. We want you to feel like you belong here – valued, respected, and empowered to bring your whole self to work.

From five weeks annual leave through to Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for our permanent employees, you will be well looked after here. Our benefits are designed to support our people and provide a happy, healthy and high-performing environment.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

2 September 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.