Principal Advisor – Assurance and Compliance

• Lead the design and implementation of integrated assurance compliance and risk practices across Te Mahau Customer and Services

• Influence service quality customer outcomes and regulatory confidence at scale

• Work at a strategic and operational level with senior leaders and delivery partners

• Fixed Term role until 30 April 2028

Te Whiwhinga mahi The opportunity

Were seeking an experienced Principal Advisor Assurance & Compliance to lead and strengthen assurance compliance and risk practices across our Te Mahau Customer and Services Business this new and influential fixed term role youll design implement and embed integrated assurance and compliance frameworks that ensure regulatory contractual and quality requirements are consistently met. Youll work closely with frontline teams leaders and third-party service partners to translate best practice into practical customer centred processes that support high-quality service delivery. A key priority will be the implementation of a new Assurance and Compliance framework for Te Mahau helping to manage risk effectively lift service quality and build trust with customers and stakeholders.

Key responsibilities in the role will include:

• Leading the design and implementation of integrated assurance compliance and risk frameworks including audit controls testing and remediation activities

• Strengthening assurance and compliance oversight of customerfacing operations thirdparty contracts and delegated authorities

• Embedding customercentric quality standards and compliance practices across frontline services

• Identifying monitoring and mitigating emerging compliance service quality and regulatory risks

• Coordinating assurance reporting audit plans and responses across Te Mahau

• Providing trusted strategic advice to senior leaders on assurance compliance and risk matters

• Working collaboratively across Te Mahau and with external partners to ensure practices are practical scalable and sustainable

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

Ko koe tēnei About you

You are an experienced assurance compliance and risk professional who is comfortable operating in complexity and ambiguity. You will bring a pragmatic mindset and know how to balance regulatory and risk requirements with customer and stakeholder needs.

You will bring:

• Proven experience leading the implementation and ongoing management of assurance compliance and risk practices in a large complex public or private organisation

• Extensive experience working across assurance compliance and risk domains ideally within operational or customerfacing environments

• A strong ability to translate best practice into practical workable processes that can be embedded by frontline teams and service partners

• A curious solutionsfocused mindset with the confidence to make decisions and move work forward when things are not clearcut

• Exceptional stakeholder management skills including the ability to influence at senior levels

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing demands

• A continuous improvement mindset using insights and intelligence to support riskbased decision making

• Relevant qualifications or extensive proven experience in assurance compliance and/or risk (preferred)

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

Mō mātou About us

Te Mahau Customer and Services delivers transactional products and services that support the effective operation of New Zealands land transport system. We focus on operational excellence and creating simple consistent and positive experiences for customers interacting with Waka Kotahi services.

The Assurance & Compliance team supports the business by designing and embedding robust assurance and compliance frameworks that mitigate risk strengthen service quality and build customer and stakeholder confidence.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha What youll get in return

Along with meaningful work that makes a difference for New Zealanders we offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits

• Flexible working arrangements (role dependent)

• Five weeks annual leave

• Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees

• A valuesled inclusive workplace committed to wellbeing development and continuous improvement

Me pēhea te tuku tono How to apply

Please click Apply to upload your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Rā Katinga Applications close:

For further information email:

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.