• Provide leadership and oversight of complex regulatory decisions and interventions
• Lead a multi-disciplinary team to deliver effective regulatory outcomes
• Support compliance, strengthen confidence in the regulatory system, and drive improved safety outcomes
• Mid South

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This is a hands‑on, operational leadership role in a busy, ever‑changing environment, where no two days look the same. As Manager Regional Compliance, you will lead regional compliance operations, ensuring regulatory decisions are risk-based, evidence-led, and aligned with national standards. Leading a multidisciplinary team, the role drives effective regulatory outcomes, manages resources and stakeholder relationships, and promotes compliance, confidence, and safety across the land transport system.

This role will suit a leader who thrives in pace and complexity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead complex regulatory decisions and interventions, ensuring they are risk-based, legally sound, and nationally consistent.
• Drive sustainable compliance outcomes through a balanced approach to enforcement, education, and engagement.
• Manage budgets and resources to deliver regional priorities and performance outcomes effectively.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry, iwi, local government, regulated parties, and partner agencies.
• Communicate regulatory expectations clearly and consistently, supporting fair and transparent outcomes.
• Monitor compliance performance and emerging risks, providing insights to inform strategic planning and decision-making.
• Provide expert regulatory advice and leadership to strengthen risk management and continuous improvement.
• Lead and support organisational change, fostering a culture of adaptability, learning, and excellence.

You will find out more about the role here

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between, $133,632 and $148,480 commensurate with skills and experience.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You’re an experienced leader who is comfortable working at pace, making decisions with imperfect information, and leading a team.

You’ll bring:

• Proven senior leadership experience delivering strategic outcomes in a regulatory or complex public sector environment.
• Strong people leadership capability, with experience developing specialist teams.
• Extensive experience applying legislation and regulatory frameworks to complex and high-risk decisions.
• Demonstrated success building and influencing senior stakeholder relationships across industry, iwi, and partner agencies.
• Expertise in risk-based decision-making and managing regulatory and operational risk at a system level.

Mō mātou | About us

Te Rōpū Waeture – Regulatory - We help ensure the land transport system is safe, fair and well regulated.

We use a wide range of activities and tools - including monitoring, education, engagement and enforcement, to ensure that people, vehicles and transport operators meet the standards required to keep New Zealand moving safely and efficiently.

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

At NZTA, you’ll be part of an organisation that makes a visible difference every day. We offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Flexible working arrangements (role dependent)
• 5 weeks annual leave, plus Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance
• The opportunity to lead a nationally significant operation that directly impacts millions of New Zealanders

Ready to take on the challenge?

If you’re motivated by pace, complexity, and real‑world impact, and you enjoy leading teams through demanding operational environments, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and help keep Aotearoa moving.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:

Please click Apply to upload your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

For further information, email: [email protected]

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.