Senior Compliance Officer

• Help improve safety outcomes across the commercial transport sector
• Bring your expertise to support best regulatory practice
• Permanent opportunity based in Whangarei or Auckland

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity  

We have an opportunity for an experienced Senior Compliance Officer to join our Northern/North Auckland team.

You will lead complex regulatory work involving commercial transport operators, using evidence and sound judgement to address non-compliance fairly and proportionately.

Responsibilities include: 

• Leading complex and high-risk audits, investigations and reviews, applying legislation, policy and regulatory frameworks to manage risks and make robust, proportionate decisions
• Gathering, analysing and evaluating evidence, including conducting interviews and assessing technical and operational information
• Producing clear, impartial, evidence-based reports and correspondence that meet high professional standards and regulatory requirements
• Engaging with operators, industry representatives and other regulatory agencies to address compliance issues and support safety outcomes
• Sharing expertise and mentoring colleagues to support their development and consistent regulatory practice

Travel is a key part of this role, with regular visits to operators across the Auckland/Northland regions and occasional travel elsewhere as business needs require. You must have a full driver licence, with no convictions. 

Find out more about the role in the position description here.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $92,700 and $103,000, depending on skills and experience.

Ko koe tēnei | About you  

You will have proven regulatory experience, sound judgement and a commitment to high professional standards.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Experience managing complex audits, investigations and reviews within a regulatory or enforcement environment
• Proven ability to gather, analyse, verify and evaluate evidence for sound decisions in complex, high-risk cases
• Skill in applying legislation, regulatory frameworks, policy and precedent to achieve consistent, defensible outcomes
• Experience using a range of compliance and enforcement tools, with sound risk assessment skills and judgement in selecting proportionate responses
• Strong written communication skills and attention to detail, with a commitment to accuracy, impartiality and high professional standards
• The ability to share expertise and mentor colleagues, supporting their development and consistent regulatory practice
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach, using initiative to resolve problems and collaborate with colleagues
• Strong relationship and communication skills to engage constructively with operators, stakeholders and regulatory partners and consider different perspectives
• undefined

Qualifications: 

• A relevant tertiary qualification or relevant experience.

You will bring knowledge of, or a willingness to learn about, Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) in the public sector, and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori.

Ko wai mātou | About us   Commercial Transport Regulation regulates operators, from heavy vehicle operators to small passenger services, to support safe and lawful participation in New Zealand’s land transport system. We license operators, monitor compliance, investigate concerns and take proportionate action to address safety and compliance risks. We engage with operators, industry and regulatory partners to support understanding, compliance and safety outcomes.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return  At NZTA, we care about our people and support our staff. 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 with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience align with the role.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

13 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.