Senior Safety Assurance & Risk Advisor

• Lead assurance activities that shape safety outcomes across the transport sector 

• Influence strategic risk management and operational safety systems 

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to drive continuous improvement 

• Permanent role based in Auckland 

Te Whiwhinga mahi – The opportunity 

We’re seeking for a Senior Safety Assurance & Risk Advisor to lead and support the health, safety and wellbeing assurance and risk management programme across the Agency’s operations and projects. In this role, you’ll conduct audits, verifications, reviews and risk management activities, contributing to safer outcomes for our people and partners. 

You will: 

• Develop and deliver Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) risk and monitoring plans 

• Conduct HS&W risk assessments, audits, and reviews 

• Lead and support risk owners and champions across operations 

• Support external and internal audit activities 

• Contribute to the development and review of safety management systems and tools 

You can find out more about the role in the Position Description. 
 

We are seeking to appoint at a salary of band 17, commensurate with skills and experience. 

Ko koe tēnei – About you 

To be successful in this role, you will bring: 

• Strong auditing experience, with a solid understanding of internal and external HSW audit processes across high-risk sectors such as transport, infrastructure, construction, or industrial environments 

• Understanding of Health and Safety legislation, third party risk management and HSW management systems and practices. 

• Experience reviewing and supporting the continuous improvement of HSW management systems and enterprise risk controls 

• Ability to identify HSW risks, assess compliance, and provide clear, practical, and risk-based recommendations 

• Comfortable with project-based work and willing to travel to conduct construction site-specific audits and assessments 

• A self-starter who shows initiative, sound judgement, and the ability to manage priorities effectively 

• Collaborative and team-oriented, with strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to influence and build trusted relationships 

• Proven experience in quality control, testing, and assurance practices 

• Confidence using digital HSW tools and contributing to system and process improvement 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare accurate reports and contribute to governance and risk reporting 

Qualifications: 

A combination of the following is required to be successful in this role: 

• Tertiary qualification in Occupational Health & Safety, science, health, medical, risk management, or related sciences, engineering or related disciplines and more than 2 years’ experience in a related Health & Safety Management role. 

• Experience or qualification operational audit or quality management experience. 

• Further technical qualifications or experience in change management, risk management, auditing. 

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 

We are the Health, Safety and Wellbeing function part of the People and Safety Group. We lead the safety, health and wellbeing of our people and partners across the Agency. We define strategy, provide coaching and tools, and partner with leaders to build a culture of care and continuous improvement. 

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

At NZTA, we offer a competitive salary and benefits package, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that values wellbeing, inclusion and professional growth. Along with our other benefits, we also offer 5 weeks annual leave and an Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance scheme for all permanent employees. 

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:

For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz

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.