Regional Manager - Vehicle Compliance

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

NZTA Waka Kotahi is recruiting a Regional Manager Vehicle Compliance for a permanent full‑time, onsite role based in Wellington or Palmerston North. You’ll lead a multidisciplinary regulatory team to deliver safer outcomes, influence high‑profile compliance decisions and build trusted relationships with industry, iwi, local government and partner agencies. The role blends strategic and operational leadership, with intelligence‑led, risk‑based regulation and defensible decision making while balancing education, engagement and enforcement. Success depends on strong judgement, change management, stakeholder credibility and financial oversight. To apply, upload your CV and a cover letter that demonstrates senior leadership in a regulatory or public sector setting, experience applying legislation and risk frameworks, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi awareness. Applications close 30 August 2026; you must have the right to work in NZ; shortlisting may begin on receipt, so apply early. Travel may be required; salary 134000-163000 depending on experience.

• Lead a team of regulatory professionals delivering safer outcomes for New Zealanders
• Influence complex, high-profile compliance decisions and regulatory interventions
• Build trusted relationships across industry, iwi, local government and partner agencies
• Permanent opportunity based in Wellington or Palmerston North

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

The Regional Manager Vehicle Compliance is a critical leadership role within Te Rōpū Waeture Regulatory Services. They are responsible for leading regional vehicle compliance operations and delivering effective regulatory outcomes across the land transport system. The role provides both strategic and operational leadership, ensuring compliance activity is intelligence led, risk based, and aligned with national regulatory frameworks.

As a senior leader, you'll guide a multidisciplinary team, oversee complex regulatory decisions, and drive consistent, fair and defensible regulatory practice.

You'll balance education, engagement and enforcement approaches to support willing compliance while maintaining public confidence in New Zealand's transport system.

Success in this role requires strong judgement, leadership and relationship management skills. You'll work closely with industry representatives, iwi, partner agencies and local government, representing NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) as a credible and influential regulator while helping shape national compliance priorities and responses to emerging risks.

Travel will be required in the role from time to time.

You will find out more about the role here: Position Description.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $134,000 - $163,000 commensurate with skills and experience.

Ō Pūmanawa | What we're looking for

Our ideal candidate will have some or all of the following (but don't worry if you don't tick every box):

• Significant senior leadership experience within a regulatory, compliance, enforcement, or complex public sector environment.
• Proven success leading and developing high-performing teams, including managers and senior regulatory practitioners.
• Significant experience contributing to a Senior Leadership team to support strategic direction, delivery and consistency across Vehicle Regulation.
• Extensive experience applying legislation, regulatory frameworks, and risk-based approaches to complex decision-making.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build credibility and influence at senior levels across industry, government and iwi.
• Experience identifying and managing operational and regulatory risk, using evidence and intelligence to inform decisions.
• A track record of leading through change, embedding new ways of working, and driving continuous improvement.
• Strong financial and operational management experience, including budget oversight and resource prioritisation.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to navigate challenging situations, provide authoritative advice, and achieve positive outcomes.
• Relevant tertiary qualification and/or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to develop an understanding of, Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and their application within the public sector.

Mō mātou | About Us

At NZTA, our purpose is simple: transport networks that deliver for people, places and New Zealand. As Aotearoa's land transport regulator, we play a vital role in keeping our transport system safe, efficient and operating in the public interest. Within Regulatory Services, we take a firm and fair approach to regulation, applying good regulatory practice while working collaboratively with communities, industries and partners to improve safety outcomes.

He aha te take e uru ai koe ki a mātou? | So, why join us?

Our people are proud to be part of creating a better New Zealand. We're searching for candidates who share our passion for people, communities, and the environment and who are ready to contribute their unique skills to shape a better future.

At NZTA, you'll be part of an organisation where the different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences of our people are celebrated. We want you to feel like you belong here, valued, respected, and empowered to bring your whole self to work.

From five weeks annual leave through to Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for our permanent employees, you will be well looked after here. Our benefits are designed to support our people and provide a happy, healthy and high-performing environment. We take a principle-based approach to flexibility and offer a range of development opportunities to help you build a varied and rewarding career.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

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.

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.