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 kaitiaki is brought to life by our values: Look to the Horizon, Help the Team Work, Make the Calls, and Open Hearts, Open Minds.

It’s been just over a year since the Conduct of Financial Institutions (CoFI) regime came into effect, with strong industry engagement and early impact. In a fast moving and complex sector, there is more to do to shape fair conduct outcomes across insurance. Are you our next strategic leader to help drive this forward?

Te Tūranga | The Role

The Head of Insurance plays a critical leadership role in shaping how the FMA regulates conduct in the insurance sector to deliver better outcomes for consumers and markets.

You’ll lead the FMA’s insurance supervision function and an experienced, high performing team, setting clear regulatory priorities and delivering a targeted, proportionate, and forward looking approach to supervision.

You will apply strong regulatory judgement to complex conduct risks and emerging issues, using the full range of regulatory tools to influence behaviour and lift standards across the sector. As the FMA’s senior insurance conduct leader, you’ll drive the ongoing successful implementation of CoFI for insurers and lead the implementation of the Contracts of Insurance Act.

This is a highly influential role. You’ll build trusted relationships with boards, senior executives, industry bodies, and regulatory partners, while guiding the development of practical, outcomes focused guidance and insights.

Operating across a diverse and evolving market, you’ll lead how we supervise, engage, and intervene where needed. You’ll role model inclusive leadership, sound judgement, and a commitment to long term trust and confidence in New Zealand’s insurance markets.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Lead and influence regulatory outcomes across the insurance sector.
• Set clear expectations around conduct, governance, and accountability.
• Engage credibly with senior leaders and boards.
• Exercise judgement in complex, evolving environments.
• Shape how the FMA delivers confident, fair, and effective regulation.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You’re an experienced leader with a strong understanding of regulatory purpose and the judgement to apply it effectively.

While insurance sector knowledge is valuable, the team holds deep industry expertise. What matters most is your ability to lead in a regulatory environment, interpret mandate, and guide others to deliver principled, proportionate outcomes.

You’ll bring:

• Senior leadership experience, ideally in regulatory, policy, governance, or risk focused environments.
• Sound judgement and clear decision making in complex, changing contexts.
• Credibility with senior stakeholders, including executives and boards.
• A pragmatic approach, balancing fairness, risk, and impact.
• The ability to build or apply knowledge of conduct based regulation and public accountability.
• Commercial acumen is also highly desirable.

You’re motivated by purpose, comfortable with responsibility, and committed to improving outcomes for consumers and the system as a whole.

You don’t need to meet every requirement. At the FMA, we value a growth mindset—if you have most of what we’re looking for and are excited by the opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.

Ngā 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, we’re 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 pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

If this sounds like your next opportunity, please apply today. For more information, refer to the position description attached. Applications close 5pm, Wednesday 27 May 2026.

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

For any queries, contact Kelly Winyard at careers@fma.govt.nz