Principal Advisor, Regulatory System Design

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

. Shape system-level regulatory interventions and influence high-impact decisions that improve safety outcomes for New Zealanders .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timeWellington • New ZealandLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in regulatory system design and strategic leadership, utilizing data and analysis to inform decision-making and improve safety outcomes. Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills are essential for navigating complex environments and fostering collaboration.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Regulatory System DesignProject ManagementData AnalysisStrategic ThinkingStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Regulatory FrameworksSystem Performance AnalysisIntervention DesignEvidence-Based Decision MakingProject Coordination

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationRelationship ManagementCoaching and MentoringCollaborationContinuous Improvement

Industry Keywords

Te Ao MāoriTikangaTe Tiriti o WaitangiPublic SectorSafety Outcomes

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Shape system-level regulatory interventions and influence high-impact decisions that improve safety outcomes for New Zealanders
Design system-level regulatory interventions that improve the effectiveness, coherence and safety outcomes of the land transport system
Provide strategic leadership and expert advice to the Manager Regulatory System Design
Use data, evidence, insights and analysis to understand regulatory framework and system performance, and complex emerging regulatory risks and issues
Provide thought leadership and advice on organisation-wide responses to complex and systemic issues and risks
Influence regulatory practice and decision-making across the organisation and wider regulatory system
Foster collaboration, good-practice system design and continuous improvement

Requirements

What you’ll need

Demonstrated expertise in regulatory system design, including leading work to identify and design system level interventions that align with strategic intent
Deep understanding of modern regulatory systems and frameworks
Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to coordinate work across a range of stakeholders effectively and deliver in a timely manner
Proven ability to use data, insights and analysis to understand system performance, inform decision-making and prioritise regulatory interventions
Advanced strategic and analytical thinking skills
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, providing well-judged advice to support senior decision-making
Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with experience navigating complex environments
Ability to support and coach others to build capability
Knowledge of, or willingness to build understanding of Te Ao Māori, tikanga, and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the public sector
Legal right to live and work in New Zealand
Cover letter and CV required

Benefits

Comp & perks

A supportive working environment
Flexible working options
A competitive salary package, aligned with your skills and experience
5 weeks annual leave
Other great benefits