Principal Advisor Compliance Monitoring

About this role

• Design and deliver high-impact compliance monitoring programmes across regulated sectors 
• Permanent opportunity with location flexibility across WorkSafe offices 
• Expected appointment base salary range: $130,588 - $144,295  

About Us

He aha te mea nui o tēnei ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

Hello, Kia ora, Noa'ia, Talofa lava, Mauri, Mālō e lelei, Tālofa, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālō ni, Kia orana , nǐ hǎo, Kamusta.

WorkSafe New Zealand | Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa is the primary workplace health and safety regulator. Our vision is that everyone who goes to mahi comes home healthy and safe. We live by our values:

• Whakakotahi – we are united in a strong purpose  
• Kōrero mai – we engage meaningfully  
• Tiakina mai – we are entrusted with a duty of care  

About your team / Ko te tīma

The Compliance Monitoring team sits within the Authorisation and Advisory function and plays a critical role in ensuring organisations, permit holders and authorised parties meet their regulatory obligations. Working closely with teams across WorkSafe, the team provides assurance, oversight and evidence-based insights that support safer workplaces and stronger regulatory outcomes.

This permanent position has been created to increase team capacity and support the growing compliance monitoring programme across WorkSafe.

About the role / Ō te tūranga

The Principal Advisor Compliance Monitoring will lead high-impact monitoring activities across a range of industries and regulatory settings.

In this role, you'll be at the forefront of identifying emerging risks, designing innovative monitoring programmes, and providing expert advice that supports evidence-based regulatory decisions.

You'll work closely with inspectors and regulatory specialists across the country, using intelligence, data, documentation reviews, and monitoring findings to build a clear picture of compliance performance. By connecting insights from the field with strategic analysis, you'll help target regulatory effort where it can have the greatest impact.

This is more than a monitoring role. It's an opportunity to influence how regulation is applied, strengthen industry performance, and help prevent serious harm before it occurs. If you enjoy solving complex problems, working across diverse regulatory environments, and translating evidence into action, we'd love to hear from you.

While Wellington is the preferred location, we will consider applications from candidates based at any WorkSafe office location.

What You'll Do/ Ko tōu ake mahi

• Assist in the development of a compliance monitoring work programme
• Assess compliance against regulatory requirements and permit conditions
• Identify, analyse and report emerging compliance risks and trends
• Improve monitoring frameworks, methodologies and reporting practices
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to team members
• Build strong relationships across WorkSafe and with external stakeholders

What You'll Bring / Ko ngā pukenga ōu

• Experience leading compliance monitoring programmes
• Strong risk assessment and evidence-based decision-making skills
• Ability to assess compliance against legislative and regulatory requirements
• Experience improving monitoring, assurance or audit frameworks
• Proven capability providing technical leadership and coaching others
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong stakeholder management skills

 Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.

Salary range / Awhe utu

As part of our remuneration framework, the expected appointment base salary is $130,588 - $144,295 (KiwiSaver/SSRSS employer contributions are additional). From 1 April 2026 our KiwiSaver employer contribution increased to 3.5%.

We offer a range of benefits including:

• Free life insurance for the duration of your employment
• Health insurance & eyecare discounts
• $400 home workstation contribution
• 5 weeks annual leave
• 15 days sick leave
• A Reward and Recognition Framework that celebrates the impact our kaimahi make – your mahi matters
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee-led networks to promote the goals and needs of our diverse communities (Rainbow, Pacific, Women's and Tū Rangatira Māori Network as well as Enabled Network and our Multi – Ethnic Network)

How to apply / Me pēhea te tono

Click Apply, complete the application form, and upload your CV and cover letter.

AI can be a helpful tool when preparing your application, but what matters most to us is you. Please ensure your CV, cover letter, and responses reflect your own skills, experiences, and perspective. We want to hear your real story - your passion, your personality, and what makes you unique. Don't let AI do all the talking - let it support you, not replace you.
 
Learn more about working with us: Careers | WorkSafe.

WorkSafe Mahi Haumaru is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities and those who are neurodivergent. We believe different perspectives strengthen our mahi and help create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
 
If you encounter accessibility barriers in completing the application or require adjustments or support to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you, contact careers@worksafe.govt.nz for a confidential kōrero.

WorkSafe is currently working through the implementation of a structure change. Kaimahi whose roles were affected will be given preference for all vacancies and will be considered in the first instance.

 

Applications close: 11.59pm, Tuesday 6 October 2026