Principal Adviser, Intensive Supervision

New Zealand Government

A great place to work. With great work to do.

Ours is a meaningful and impactful role, as a kaitiaki (caretakers) of the financial services in Aotearoa. We oversee a market that does right by everyone, ensuring better outcomes for all New Zealanders. Our role as a kaitiaki is brought to life by our values; Look to the Horizon, Help the Team Work, Make the Calls and Open Hearts, Open Minds.

Te

Turanga | The Role

Join us as a Principal Adviser within our Intensive Supervision team, where youll bring deep expertise and leadership to some of the FMAs most complex and high-impact work.

A day in the life will see you leading the development and delivery of intensive supervision strategies across complex, high-risk or novel cases. Youll take ownership of how we approach these engagements, designing tailored supervisory responses, setting direction, and bringing others on the journey to deliver meaningful outcomes for consumers and markets.

Youll operate as a technical leader within the team, providing guidance and oversight to others while confidently engaging with senior stakeholders both internally and externally. Your work will involve influencing thinking, challenging assumptions, and ensuring we are applying the right regulatory tools and approaches to achieve effective, outcomes-focused interventions.

This is a highly collaborative role, working closely across the FMA to coordinate responses and resolve complex issues. Youll also contribute to building organisational capability, continuously improving how we deliver intensive supervision and strengthening our overall approach.

He korero mou | About you

You will have a proven ability to lead complex pieces of work, develop new approaches, and bring others on the journey, whether thats designing more effective supervisory strategies or influencing change across stakeholders. You naturally build strong relationships and collaborate effectively across teams, while also taking ownership and operating with a high degree of independence.

Ideally, youll bring experience from financial services, regulation, legal, audit or a risk-based environment, along with a strong understanding of supervisory approaches, risk assessment and regulatory tools. Youll have a track record of delivering outcomes in complex environments and contributing to strategic or cross-functional initiatives.

You bring strong critical thinking and analytical capability, with the ability to work through complex information and translate it into clear, actionable insights and regulatory responses. Youre comfortable challenging thinking and having robust conversations, including with senior stakeholders, to achieve the right outcomes.

Ng painga | What we offer

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

  • 4% KiwiSaver employer contribution
  • Health and life insurance cover
  • Paid leave over the Christmas period
  • The ability to swap public holidays for days that hold personal significance
  • Exceptional learning and development opportunities, including technical training and leadership programmes

At the FMA, were committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We also offer a range of wellness and social activities to support both personal and professional wellbeing and help our people genuinely connect with one another.

Me pehea te tuku tono | How to apply

The appointing salary range for this role is $145,000 to $165,000 base salary per annum, plus 4% KiwiSaver and the benefits outlined above. Final offers are based on experience, skills, and internal equity. Pay equity and parity are important to us at the FMA, and we are committed to fairness and transparency throughout every stage of recruitment.

If this sounds like your next opportunity, then please apply today. Applications close Wednesday 17 June 2026 at 5pm, but may close earlier due to high volumes of applications.

If you require additional support with your application, please let us know so you are best placed to complete this with ease.

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