Principal Advisor, Policy and Regulations | All Office Locations

Job Description

About Us 

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

WorkSafe New Zealand | Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa is the primary workplace health and safety regulator. Our vision is that everyone who goes to mahi (work) 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 

WorkSafe's Policy and Regulations team is a high performing team within the Insights and Engagement Group. Our vision is to provide expert policy and regulatory advice, lead regulatory thinking, and to deliver innovative and effective solutions for all our stakeholders. 

We make a visible impact on Aotearoa New Zealand's work health and safety performance by helping WorkSafe: 

• decide how to operate to meet our legislative obligations, 
• be the kind of regulator we want to be,
• how to exercise our regulatory functions, and
• develop certain types of secondary legislation 

We also provide advice and represent WorkSafe's interests to external agencies on health and safety, energy safety and other legislation and policy. 

About the role / Ō te tūranga 

As a Principal Advisor Policy and Regulations, you'll provide strategic regulatory and policy leadership across WorkSafe and externally. You'll deliver high‑quality, practical advice on complex and time‑sensitive issues, ensuring alignment with WorkSafe's regulatory approach and strategic direction. Working closely with the Manager Policy and Regulations, you'll help navigate priorities, support planning and reporting, and drive innovative thinking across the organisation. You'll challenge current approaches, identify risks, and support teams to develop robust, effective solutions. You'll also play an important role in lifting capability - sharing your expertise, mentoring colleagues, and helping build a confident, high‑performing policy and regulatory function. 

What You'll Do/ Ko tōu ake mahi  

• Lead strategic, high‑impact policy and regulatory work, providing expert, evidence‑informed advice on complex issues.
• Influence and engage confidently across WorkSafe, senior leaders, and external stakeholders, becoming a trusted “go‑to” expert.
• Shape and strengthen regulatory frameworks by bringing innovation, big‑picture thinking, and sound judgement to the table.
• Mentor and uplift capability across the policy and regulatory team, helping others deliver high‑quality work with confidence.
• Drive major workstreams and complex projects, setting clear direction and navigating risks to ensure successful delivery.
• Build strong relationships across the business to support effective collaboration, transparency, and cohesive decision‑making.
• Challenge the status quo and introduce creative solutions that help WorkSafe respond to emerging risks and opportunities. 

What You'll Bring / Ko ngā pukenga ōu  

• Deep experience in central government policy and regulatory environments, with the ability to deliver both strategic and operational advice. 
• Sharp critical‑thinking, research and analytical skills, with a talent for tackling complex, ambiguous and high‑risk issues.
• Proven success working across policy and operational functions, ideally within a regulatory setting. 
• A track record of turning complex problems into practical, workable solutions.
• Strong judgement and the ability to apply robust analytical frameworks to guide decision‑making. 
• Relevant tertiary qualifications — or equivalent expertise gained through extensive experience. 
• A collaborative mindset with the confidence to engage across diverse stakeholders and build trusted relationships 

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

Salary range / Awhe utu 

As part of our remuneration framework, the full salary range for this role is $129,038-$170,159.  (KiwiSaver/SSRSS employer contributions are additional.) 

We offer a range of benefits including: 

• Free life insurance 
• Health insurance & eyecare discounts 
• 5 weeks annual leave 
• 15 days sick leave 
• 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) 

How to apply / Me pēhea te tono – 

Click Apply, complete the application form, and upload your CV and cover letter. 
 
Learn more about working with us: Careers | WorkSafe.  

For queries, please contact careers@worksafe.govt.nz. 

WorkSafe Mahi Haumaru is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and 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 need any support to make the recruitment process accessible, please let us know. 

Applications close: Thursday, 5 March 2026