Senior Adviser, Operational Resilience
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 Tūranga | The Role
Due to an internal secondment, we have a 12-month fixed term opportunity in our Operational Resilience team where you’ll play an important role in strengthening the resilience, conduct and consumer outcomes within New Zealand's financial services sector.
This is an opportunity to work with a wide range of financial market participants, including deposit takers, insurers, financial advice providers, fund managers and other regulated entities. Your work will help ensure these organisations are meeting their obligations and managing risks effectively, contributing to a financial sector that consumers can trust.
As a Senior Adviser, you'll work on some of the more complex monitoring and supervision activities undertaken by the FMA. Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading and undertaking risk-based monitoring and surveillance activities across regulated entities.
- Engaging directly with market participants, including senior leaders, through meetings, onsite reviews, and assessments.
- Reviewing adherence to financial markets legislation and identifying potential harms and regulatory risks.
- Assessing licensing applications and supporting the ongoing effectiveness of the FMA's regulatory frameworks.
- Partnering with colleagues across Enforcement, Legal, Licensing, and Regulatory Policy to deliver coordinated regulatory outcomes.
- Supporting continuous improvement initiatives that enhance the effectiveness of our monitoring and supervisory approaches.
- Providing guidance, coaching, and support to other colleagues as required.
This role offers a unique opportunity to apply your operational risk management, audit, assurance, or regulatory experience in an environment where your work can influence outcomes across an entire sector - not just a single organisation.
He kōrero mōu | About you
We're looking for an experienced professional who combines strong governance and risk management practices with sound judgement, curiosity, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
You may have gained your experience within financial services, risk, audit, regulation, assurance, consulting, or a related environment. We are particularly interested in people who can confidently engage with stakeholders, assess complex information, and identify practical solutions to regulatory challenges.
You'll bring:
- Experience in financial services, regulatory environments, audit, risk management, or assurance.
- Strong knowledge of operational resilience disciplines, compliance monitoring, surveillance, audit, or risk management frameworks.
- The ability to analyse complex information and exercise sound regulatory judgement.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement capability.
- A collaborative mindset and willingness to contribute to broader team outcomes.
- The confidence to operate independently while also supporting and mentoring others.
You’re not expected to meet 100% of the criteria. At the FMA, a growth mindset is at the heart of our culture. 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.