Manager Investigations South

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Strategic leadership role driving investigations across complex, high impact sectors.
• Shape the future of regulatory compliance and empower a skilled investigations team.
• Wellington based permanent position
• Salary range: $132,417-$160,472 + KiwiSaver + Wellness Benefits

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

Occupational Regulation sits within MBIE and is responsible for the effective oversight of several occupational licensing and registration schemes, including Electrical Workers, Licensed Building Practitioners, Immigration Advisers, Motor Vehicle Traders, Auctioneers and Pool Inspectors. As regulatory systems evolve, the mix of schemes within Occupational Regulation may change over time.

We are now seeking an experienced and influential Manager, Investigations to lead the Investigations function within Occupational Regulation. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping our investigative practice, ensuring regulatory excellence, and contributing to a high-performing, people-centred culture.

About the Role

The Manager, Investigations leads a team of investigators working across multiple regulatory regimes. 

You will be responsible for the development and implementation of investigative systems, processes and frameworks, ensuring our approach is robust, consistent and aligned with MBIE-wide practice.

As a key member of the Occupational Regulation leadership team, you will play a critical role in driving transformational change, strengthening performance, and building a collaborative and high-trust environment.

This position requires exceptional judgement, deep regulatory experience, and the ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues with confidence.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence regulatory practice at a national level and contribute to the integrity and safety of key professional sectors across New Zealand.

You will join a passionate team of regulatory professionals committed to strengthening public confidence and delivering high‑quality outcomes.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required
 

• Proven strategic and operational leadership experience in a medium to large organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop and manage high-performing teams.
• Experience designing and delivering work programmes, tools, and processes.
• Strong change leadership, communication and coaching capability.
• The ability to understand and apply regulatory frameworks, particularly the Building Act, Electricity Act, Immigration Advisers Licensing Act, and other relevant legislation.
• Excellent analytical skills with experience synthesising complex information.
• Expertise in making robust, evidence-based decisions.
• Exceptional writing skills across enforcement, reporting, and stakeholder communication.
• Strong relationship management skills with the ability to quickly build trust and credibility.
• A sound understanding of legal processes, statutory timeframes, and the machinery of government.
• Knowledge of relevant Acts, including the Privacy Act 1993, Official Information Act 1982, Bill of Rights Act 1990, and the Search and Surveillance Act 2014.
• Advanced judgement, problem‑solving ability and risk awareness.
• Must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About MBIE:

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapakua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description. 

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Email Sarah Hutcheson at sarah.hutcheson@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/19079 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Monday 9 March 2026.