Lead Security Specialist

• Lead NZTA's enterprise security controls, standards and guardrails
• Senior technical authority shaping secure-by-design outcomes
• Influence security strategy across a complex national environment
• Location: Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Palmerston North or Christchurch

This is a rare opportunity to join NZ Transport Agency | Waka Kotahi (NZTA) as we expand our security engineering capability, creating three Lead Security Specialist roles to strengthen enterprise security and support secure digital delivery at scale. We’re already using AI-assisted automation across assurance, vulnerability management and SOC triage, and want people who’ll push that further.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We're looking for three experienced security engineering leaders to join NZTA as a Lead Security Specialist. These are senior technical leadership roles responsible for the design, deployment and continuous improvement of enterprise security controls across NZTA's digital environment.

As Lead Security Specialist, you will be the senior technical and business authority for security controls, helping ensure security is engineered into NZTA's platforms, products and services from the outset rather than assessed after delivery. You'll own the guardrail and control pattern framework, influence enterprise security standards and provide leadership across security engineering activities.

Working closely with the Manager Security Platforms, Security Centre of Excellence, architecture and technology teams, you'll shape how security controls are designed, deployed and operated across one of New Zealand's largest and most complex digital environments.

You will:

• Lead the design, deployment and lifecycle management of enterprise security controls
• Own and evolve NZTA's control pattern library and guardrail framework
• Co-develop enterprise security standards, policies and secure-by-design frameworks
• Identify systemic security control gaps and lead remediation at an enterprise level
• Provide technical leadership and coaching to delivery teams
• Act as NZTA's senior subject matter expert for security controls and patterns
• Establish best practice for AI-assisted security engineering and advisory tooling
• Support escalated security incidents requiring deep platform and control expertise.

You will find out more about the role here - Position Description

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You will be an accomplished security engineering leader with deep expertise in enterprise security controls, strong technical credibility and the ability to influence complex security and technology decisions across a large organisation. You will bring sound judgement, strategic thinking and a practical approach to balancing security risk with business outcomes.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Extensive experience designing, deploying and operating enterprise security controls across complex cloud, hybrid and OT environments
• Deep expertise in at least one security domain, with broad working knowledge across cloud, infrastructure, application, network, identity and OT security
• Strong knowledge of enterprise security frameworks, and knowledge of NZISM and the Protective Security Requirements (PSR) or the ability to rapidly acquire it
• Experience developing enterprise security standards, policies and control patterns
• A track record of identifying and communicating security risks to both technical and executive audiences
• Experience with security automation, infrastructure as code and control as code approaches
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to influence through technical expertise and trusted advice

Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or industry certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, SABSA, GIAC or major cloud security certifications would be advantageous.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of, Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of, Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies in the public sector.

Mō mātou | About us

Te Aukaha | Digital provides modern, fit-for-purpose digital, information and technology solutions that support decision-making and make it easier for our people, partners and customers to work with us.

Our Security team enables NZTA to safely deliver its outcomes by reducing enterprise security risk across our people, places, information and technology.

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

This is an opportunity to shape the enterprise security controls, standards and guardrails that protect critical services and support a nationally significant organisation. You'll influence security outcomes across NZTA, work alongside experienced technology leaders and help define the future of secure digital delivery.

In addition, you'll benefit from:

• 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

Ready to take the next step in your security leadership career? We would love to hear from you.

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:

24 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.