Principal Adviser, Insurance

A great place to work. With great work to do. Ours is a meaningful and impactful role, as a kaitiaki (caretaker) of the financial services in Aotearoa. We oversee a market that does right by everyone, ensuring better outcomes for all New Zealanders. Our role as a kaitiaki is brought to life by our values; Look to the Horizon, Help the Team Work, Make the Calls and Open Hearts, Open Minds. Te Tūranga | The Role Join us as a Principal Adviser within our Insurance team, where you'll provide technical leadership and help shape how we supervise Aotearoa's insurance sector. This is an opportunity to influence regulatory approaches, uplift capability, and contribute to outcomes that support both consumers and markets. A day in the life will see you leading on projects and thematic work that strengthens our approach to insurance supervision and monitoring. You'll bring a strategic lens to the team's mahi, helping identify emerging risks, improve regulatory approaches, and support evidence-based decision making. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Leading the development and enhancement of monitoring frameworks, tools and supervision approaches. Providing technical leadership and guidance on complex monitoring engagements and emerging industry issues. Contributing to industry guidance, thematic reviews and regulatory initiatives across the insurance sector. Building and maintaining relationships with insurers, industry bodies and other key stakeholders. Leading strategic projects and helping shape the team's risk assessment and monitoring priorities. Coaching and mentoring colleagues, sharing expertise and uplifting capability across the team. You’ll work closely with colleagues across the FMA and the wider industry, influencing thinking, challenging assumptions, and helping ensure we deliver effective, risk-based supervision. He kōrero mōu | About you You will have a proven ability to lead complex work, influence outcomes, and provide guidance to others. Whether through mentoring, coaching, or leading projects, you’ll enjoy sharing your expertise and helping others succeed. Ideally, you’ll bring experience from financial services, financial markets, or a regulatory environment. While insurance experience would be advantageous, we’re equally interested in candidates with strong sector knowledge and the ability to apply their expertise in a regulatory context. Most importantly, you’ll bring strong critical thinking, sound judgement, and the confidence to work through ambiguity. You’re proactive, collaborative, and comfortable engaging with a wide range of stakeholders to deliver meaningful outcomes. Ngāpainga | What we offer We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including: 4% KiwiSaver employer contribution Health and life insurance cover Paid leave over the Christmas period The ability to swap public holidays for days that hold personal significance Exceptional learning and development opportunities, including technical training and leadership programmes At the FMA, we’re committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We also offer a range of wellbeing, social, and professional development opportunities that help our people thrive and connect. Applications close Sunday 9 August 2026 at 5pm. The appointing salary range for this role is $150,000 - 165,000 per annum, plus 4% KiwiSaver. #J-18808-Ljbffr