Regulatory Practice and Guidance Advisor - 18 Month Fixed term

Hamilton City Council is here to improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians and become the leading community-focused council, so Hamilton’s full potential can be unlocked, making it the best place to live.

This position sits within the Customer and Community Group who are responsible for providing facilities and services that help create a safe, vibrant and inclusive city.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

We’re looking for an experienced regulatory professional to lead a comprehensive review and modernisation of our regulatory practice frameworks, operational Guidance, procedures processes, and supporting policy materials This is a high‑impact role that will help shape how regulatory services are delivered now and into the future. You’ll play a key part in strengthening regulatory practice, supporting reform initiatives, and contributing to the development of a new Regulatory Strategy. We are also open to considering a hybrid or remoting working for the right person.

About the role

In this role, you will lead a comprehensive review of all existing regulatory practice frameworks, operational Guidance, procedures processes, and supporting policy materials across the unit. Your focus will be on creating clear, consistent, and practical documentation that supports good decision‑making, meets legislative requirements, and reflects best practice regulatory principles.

You’ll work closely with regulatory leaders and subject matter experts, engage with external partners and peer councils, and provide practical advice to support reform readiness and implementation.

What you’ll do

You will:

• Lead a comprehensive review of regulatory policies, procedures, guidance, and operational practice materials.
• Identify gaps, overlaps, and opportunities to improve consistency, clarity, and alignment with reform and best practice.
• Modernise and update documentation to ensure it is accurate, practical, and aligned with legislation and Council strategy.
• Support the development and implementation of a new Regulatory Strategy, providing operational insights and implementation advice.
• Engage with external agencies, industry bodies, and peer councils to benchmark approaches and identify improvement opportunities.
• Establish clear frameworks for document management, version control, and ongoing review.
• Work with subject matter experts to ensure technical accuracy and operational relevance.
• Provide clear advice and updates to the Regulatory Leadership Team on reform impacts and readiness.
• Build understanding and capability across the unit to confidently apply new or updated regulatory requirements.
• Embed good regulatory practice principles such as transparency, consistency, fairness, and proportionality.
• Promote strong regulatory stewardship and a future‑focused, reform‑ready culture.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to make a real impact on how regulatory services are delivered, supporting consistency, transparency, and public confidence. You’ll work in a collaborative environment, influence strategic direction, and help position the organisation for future regulatory reform.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• 5+ years’ experience in regulatory practice, policy implementation, compliance/governance, and/or developing operational guidance.

• Proven ability to interpret legislation and translate it into clear, practical frameworks, guidance and implementation.
• Strong stakeholder management, including building effective relationships with external agencies, government and sector partners.
• Experience in supporting and leading change and continuous improvement.
• A sound understanding of good regulatory practice and regulatory stewardship principles.
• Excellent written communication skills, with a focus on clarity and practical application.
• Highly organised work practices, including managing complex reviews and multiple priorities.

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa $90,000 dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the Position Description
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 14/05/2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.