Manager, Security Assurance

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

. Lead, develop and manage the assurance team and budget .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeAuckland • New ZealandMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading security assurance programs, assessing cyber and protective security controls, and effectively communicating assurance outcomes to executives and governance forums. Holds relevant certifications and possesses a strong understanding of NZISM and PSR within a complex organizational environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Security Assurance LeadershipCyber Security Control AssessmentNZISM KnowledgeGRC Tooling ExperienceCISA Certification

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Security AssuranceCyber Security ControlsAudit EffectivenessRisk ManagementControl TestingIndependent ReportingSystemic Control Weakness IdentificationAssurance Methodology DevelopmentExecutive PresentationTeam Development

Soft Skills

Independent PositioningStakeholder EngagementConfidence in EscalationCommunication SkillsLeadership

Tools & Technologies

GRC ToolsAssurance Tooling

Certifications & Qualifications

CISACISSPCRISCCISM

Industry Keywords

NZTATe Ao MāoriTikangaTe Reo MāoriTe Tiriti o WaitangiPublic SectorNational Security Clearance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead, develop and manage the assurance team and budget
Own and continuously improve NZTA’s enterprise security assurance programme and methodology
Test the design and operating effectiveness of cyber and protective security controls
Validate that risk treatments are actually closed, not just reported as closed
Identify systemic control weaknesses and escalate material findings with options
Report independently to the CISO, Digital Leadership Team and Board audit and risk processes
Lead engagement with auditors and other oversight bodies
Provide executive leaders, governance forums and external stakeholders with confidence that security risks are understood, managed and transparently reported
Test security controls across NZTA systems and third parties
Contribute an independent perspective to security strategy and investment decisions as a member of the Security Leadership Team

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant experience leading independent security assurance, audit or control effectiveness functions in a large, complex organisation
Expertise assessing cyber and protective security controls including in third-party and outsourced environments
Strong knowledge of NZISM and PSR applied through assurance rather than compliance
A track record of presenting assurance outcomes to executives, Boards and audit committees
The confidence to hold an independent position and escalate when findings aren't actioned
Experience leading and developing specialist assurance teams
Working knowledge of GRC and assurance tooling
A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience
Certifications such as CISA, CISSP, CRISC or CISM held or being pursued
Must be able to achieve and maintain a New Zealand national security clearance up to and including SECRET
Knowledge of, or willingness to gain an understanding of, Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori
Knowledge of, or willingness to gain an appreciation of, Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies in the public sector
Legal right to live and work in New Zealand

Benefits

Comp & perks

Five weeks’ annual leave
Income protection and critical illness insurance for permanent employees
Flexible working arrangements, where appropriate for the role
Opportunities for professional development and continued learning