Principal Advisor - Planning, Performance & Improvement

• Drive regulatory planning, performance and continuous improvement across a complex regulatory environment
• Use analytical and systems thinking to identify opportunities, manage risks, and drive better outcomes
• Join a team committed to building capability, improving practice, and delivering better results for New Zealanders

• Permanent opportunity based in Wellington

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity  

We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Advisor – Planning, Performance & Improvement to join our team. 

The Principal Advisor supports effective regulatory delivery by connecting planning, performance, assurance, and continuous improvement across the sub-system. You will lead the planning and prioritisation of regulatory activities and turn these into coordinated plans. Using strong analytical and systems thinking skills, you will turn performance insights into evidence-based recommendations that help inform decisions, manage risk, and prioritise work.

Working closely with operational teams and stakeholders, you will drive continuous improvement, strengthen regulatory practice, and enhance system performance. You will also support the Manager by mentoring Advisors and Senior Advisors, building capability and contributing to a high-performing team.

This is a key role where you will:

• Lead regulatory planning, performance, and assurance activities that drive effective, risk-informed decision making
• Shape regulatory priorities by aligning planning and delivery with strategy, risks, and emerging challenges
• Monitor performance against plans and strategy and identify where decisions, interventions or reprioritisation may be needed
• Transform data and insights into practical recommendations that improve regulatory outcomes and system performance
• Drive continuous improvement by enhancing frameworks, processes, tools, and ways of working across the regulatory system
• Partner with leaders and operational teams to strengthen regulatory practice, enhance system performance, and deliver meaningful improvement across the regulatory sub-system

You will find out more about the role here.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $133,632 - $148,480 commensurate with skills and experience.

Ko koe tēnei | About you  

We are looking for someone who brings curiosity and sound judgement. You will be comfortable working with a wide range of data, people, and complex or ambiguous situations, bringing structure to competing priorities. 

To be successful in this role, you will bring: 

• Understanding of regulatory theory and practice, including legislation, strategies, and machinery of Government
• Proven ability to translate strategic direction into operational delivery within a large, complex organisation, with a focus on regulatory outcomes
• Demonstrated experience in planning, performance monitoring and reporting, and assurance frameworks and tools that drive operational effectiveness in a regulatory environment
• Strong written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and deliver clear, concise advice and recommendations 
• Experience in influencing, collaborating, and building credibility across a wide range of stakeholders, including internal teams and external partners

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all work

• Comfortable working in areas of ambiguity and complexity, learns quickly and adapts to change with a proactive and self-directed approach to problem-solving 

Qualifications: 

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline such as public policy, business, law, data analytics, or a related field, along with any additional certifications in performance monitoring, project management, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Equivalent experience gained in a regulatory, government, or complex operational environment, with demonstrated capability in performance reporting, risk analysis, and operational planning.

Demonstrated knowledge of, or a willingness to learn an understanding of Te Ao Māori and tikanga as well as to work towards fluency in Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector. 

Ko wai 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.

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. 

Ready to take the next step in your career? We’d love to hear from you.  

Me pēhea 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. 

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

25 November 2026

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.