Principal Compliance Officer

Overview

Join to apply for the Principal Compliance Officer role at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

We have an opportunity for a Principal Compliance Officer to join our team.

This is a role where you will play a pivotal part in growing our culture of continuous improvement and be our regulatory subject matter expert.

Responsibilities

Providing support to the Manager Compliance, team members and the wider Safer Commercial Transport team to drive effectiveness through the delivery of quality work and evidence-based decision making.

Managing day to day delivery of the work programme to ensure key performance targets are met.

Coaching and mentoring team members in risk identification and assessment, audits and investigations, regulatory decision making and application of interventions, critical thinking and continuous improvement.

Proactively engaging with commercial operators and drivers, stakeholders and service providers on matters of compliance and non-compliance.

Employing effective regulatory tools to ensure transport service licence holders achieve the highest level of safety and compliance.

This position requires a full clean driver's license.

About you

If you are outcomes focused with a can-do attitude and have a strong knowledge of the transport industry and how NZTA regulates, we would love to hear from you.

To be successful in this role you will have :

Extensive experience in a regulatory or compliance environment and the ability to navigate complex frameworks to ensure standards are met.

Proven ability to lead complex investigations or audits.

Experience in reporting on workflow and outcomes, and the ability to clearly communicate progress and outcomes.

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills along with systems thinking.

Experience in mentoring and coaching others.

Ability to build strong stakeholder relationships and credibility.

Knowledge of, or willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Maori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Maori; knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies in the public service.

Qualifications

Tertiary qualification or relevant experience in a regulatory compliance role.

Ko wai matou | About us

The Safer Commercial Transport team is responsible for regulating commercial transport operators, from heavy vehicles to small passenger services.

We monitor our sector through audits, reviews and investigations and work with industry to drive best practice.

The team regulates transport operators licensed to operate as a transport service.

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

We care about our people and invest in supporting our staff at NZTA.

If you join us, you can expect :

A supportive working environment

Flexible working options

A competitive salary package, aligned with your skills and experience

5 weeks annual leave and other great benefits.

Me pehea te tuku tono | How to apply

Apply today by including a cover letter detailing why you are the ideal candidate for this role and attach along with your CV.

Ra Katinga | Applications close

12 October 2025

For further information, email :

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 to 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.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Legal

Industries

Government Administration

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