About The Role

Two newly created senior leadership opportunities in our Regulatory Group
Lead planning, performance and continuous improvement for either our Driving or Vehicle regulatory sub-system
Influence regulatory outcomes across a complex national system and help shape the future of regulatory delivery at NZTA
Bring your regulatory leadership expertise

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We have two newly established Manager Regulatory Planning, Performance & Improvement roles, created as part of the implementation of NZTA's new Regulatory Operating Model. These senior leadership roles provide dedicated oversight, planning, performance monitoring and improvement support to our regulatory sub-systems, ensuring effective, efficient and risk-informed regulatory delivery. One role will support the Driving regulatory sub-system and the other will support the Vehicle regulatory sub-system.

These are influential leadership roles for experienced regulatory professionals who understand the realities of frontline regulation and can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery. You'll work closely with senior leaders to provide end-to-end oversight of regulatory and system performance, identify opportunities for improvement, strengthen regulatory practice, and ensure resources and interventions are targeted where they will have the greatest impact.

Key responsibilities include

Leading end-to-end oversight of regulatory sub-system performance and outcomes.
Translating strategic intent into integrated operational plans, activities, and priorities.
Providing evidence-based insights and advice to support decision-making and risk management.
Establishing and overseeing performance, reporting, assurance and quality frameworks.
Driving continuous improvement and strengthening good regulatory practice across the sub-system.
Leading and developing a high-performing specialist team.
Building strong relationships across regulatory, operational and industry stakeholders.
Supporting high-quality responses to Ministerial, OIA and other formal requirements.

You can find out more about the role in the Position Description .

Ko koe tēnei | About you

To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced regulatory leader with proven regulatory experience and a strong understanding of what good regulatory practice looks like in real-world environments.

You will bring

Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and their application to improve regulatory performance.
Proven leadership experience, including leading high-performing teams in complex regulatory or operational environments.
Exceptional stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship management skills.
Experience in strategic planning, performance management and assurance.
Strong analytical capability, systems thinking and risk assessment skills.
Experience leading change, continuous improvement and operational transformation initiatives.
The ability to translate strategic direction into practical and effective delivery outcomes.
Strong judgement and the ability to operate confidently in complex and evolving environments.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ideally, you will also bring experience working in a regulatory, government or other complex operational environment, along with relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in the public sector

Mō mātou | About Us

Te Rōpū Waeture | Regulatory

As the lead regulator for land transport, our purpose is to ensure the system is safe, effective, efficient and operates in the public interest. Safety is our top priority and we are committed to reducing harm by being a firm and fair regulator, grounded in good regulatory practice and Te Ao Māori principles. We take a system view, focusing on outcomes, encouraging and educating where appropriate, and enforcing compliance when necessary.

Regulatory Planning, Performance & Improvement

This function provides dedicated sub-system oversight, planning, performance monitoring and improvement support to enable efficient, effective, consistent and risk-led regulatory delivery. Through planning the system, running the system and changing the system, the team helps ensure frontline regulatory teams can focus on core regulatory activities while continually improving performance and outcomes.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return

At NZTA, you'll help shape the future of New Zealand's transport system while working alongside talented people who are passionate about making a difference. These roles offer a unique opportunity to influence regulatory performance at a system level while helping embed our new Regulatory Operating Model.

Along with a competitive salary package, we offer

Flexible working arrangements (role dependent).
Career development and learning opportunities.
A collaborative and supportive work environment.
5 weeks annual leave.
Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees.
Access to a range of employee benefits and wellbeing initiatives.

Ready to take the next step in your regulatory leadership career? We'd love to hear from you. Apply today and join a team focused on improving regulatory outcomes for New Zealand.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Rā Katinga | Applications close

13 September 2026

For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz

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.