Manager Regulatory Practice Enablement

Lead the establishment of a new centre of excellence for regulatory practice at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA)Shape systems, standards and capability that support safer outcomes across New Zealand's land transport systemInfluence at a senior level while building a high-performing team and driving continuous improvement Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of regulatory practice at NZTA. As Manager Regulatory Practice Enablement, you will lead the establishment of a new function responsible for strengthening regulatory practice across the organisation, ensuring it is consistent, risk-informed and fit for the future. Working at the centre of Regulatory Design and Enablement, you will bring together regulatory practice, quality systems, assurance, capability and continuous improvement to support effective regulatory delivery and better safety outcomes across New Zealand's land transport system. You will work closely with senior leaders across the organisation, providing strategic advice, driving improvement initiatives, and building the frameworks, guidance and capability needed to support modern regulation now and into the future. In this role, you will: Lead the establishment of the Regulatory Practice function and its operating frameworks. Oversee regulatory practice standards, quality systems, business processes and assurance mechanisms. Provide strategic, evidence-based advice to senior leaders on regulatory practice maturity, risks and opportunities. Build and lead a high-performing team focused on service excellence and continuous improvement. Partner with leaders across Regulatory, Digital, People and Safety, Finance and System Leadership to deliver aligned outcomes. Embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi considerations within regulatory practice, systems and capability. You will find out more about the role here: Position Description. Ko koe tēnei | About you To be successful in this role, you will bring: Significant leadership experience within a regulatory environment. Proven success building, leading and developing high-performing teams. Experience shaping, prioritising and delivering complex programmes of work. Deep expertise in modern regulatory practice and regulatory operations. Strong strategic thinking, systems leadership and senior stakeholder management skills. Experience providing trusted advice to senior leaders and supporting decision‑making in complex environments. Additional strengths and experience we would like you to bring: Knowledge of quality management systems, assurance and continuous improvement approaches. Experience leading organisational change and capability development. The ability to navigate ambiguity, balance competing priorities and build strong cross‑functional relationships. 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 as it applies in the public service. Mō mātou | About us Te Rōpū Waeture - Regulatory is the lead regulator for New Zealand's land transport system. Our purpose is to ensure the system is safe, efficient, effective and operates in the public interest. We take a system-wide approach to reducing harm, encouraging compliance and supporting better safety outcomes through modern, evidence‑based regulation. Regulatory Design and Enablement designs and improves regulatory systems, using evidence and risk‑based insights to support continuous improvement. Within this group, the Regulatory Practice team acts as a centre of excellence, setting standards and enabling consistent, effective regulatory delivery across NZTA. Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of regulatory practice at a national level while contributing to safer outcomes for New Zealand communities. You'll join an organisation driven by purpose, collaboration and continuous improvement, with the ability to make a real impact across the transport system. Along with our other benefits, we offer: A competitive salary and benefits package Flexible working arrangements where business needs allow Five weeks annual leave Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees Rā Katinga | Applications close: 12 August 2026 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr