Senior Compliance Officer

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Drive successful regulatory outcomes through extensive compliance expertise
• Engage directly with stakeholders in New Zealand’s vital resources sector
• Permanent, full-time opportunity based in Wellington
• Salary: $110,098 - $138,028 plus KiwiSaver

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

Are you a seasoned compliance expert ready to lead impactful regulatory work in New Zealand’s resource sector? Join MBIE as a Senior Compliance Officer in the Resource Markets branch, part of the Building, Resources and Markets group. This role is pivotal in delivering an active compliance programme that ensures mining permit holders meet their obligations under the Crown Minerals Act.

You’ll apply your field expertise across the full spectrum of regulatory activities—from education and engagement to enforcement—helping shape a consistent and integrated approach to permit compliance and management.

Your ability to interpret legislation, assess risk, apply regulatory tools and communicate effectively will be key to achieving successful outcomes. You’ll work closely on site, in the field and within a networked environment alongside other regulators (e.g. WorkSafe, local government, Department of Conservation) and industry stakeholders to promote a culture of compliance and accountability.

You’ll also collaborate with the Principal Compliance Officer and other teams across Energy and Resource Markets, providing technical compliance advice and influencing decisions at senior levels.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required

Regulatory Expertise

• Extensive experience in compliance and enforcement, including on-site inspections, investigations, and prosecutions, with a strong track record of achieving regulatory outcomes.
• Deep understanding of best practice regulation and compliance frameworks, and the ability to apply them effectively and proportionaltely.
• Proven ability to manage complex processes and prioritise resources to maximise regulatory impact.

Sector Knowledge

• Experience in the resources sector is desirable, though strong compliance experience in other regulated sectors is highly valued.

Strategic and Interpersonal Skills

• Skilled in building strategic relationships and influencing senior stakeholders across government and industry.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to shape outcomes and support informed decision-making.

Practical Requirements

• Full driver’s licence required 
• Will involve travel and overnight stays.
• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.
• 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 and include a Cover Letter and CV outlining your interest and suitability for the role. 

Email Monica Chow at monica.chow2@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/18392 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 4th November 2025 at 11:59pm.