Head of Evidence and Investigations

• Permanent appointment
• Wellington or Auckland-based

A great place to work. With great work to do.

Ours is a meaningful and impactful role, as a kaitiaki (caretaker) of 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

We are seeking an experienced senior leader to join us as Head of Evidence & Investigations. This is an important leadership role, providing strategic direction to the Evidence & Investigations function and contributing to the wider leadership of the FMA.

As a member of the Response & Enforcement leadership team and wider executive leadership cohort, you will set a clear direction for the function, lead through change and complexity, and ensure its work is connected to the FMA’s wider regulatory strategy and priorities.

A key part of the role is connection. You will work closely with Enforcement and other colleagues across the FMA, bringing together intelligence, supervision, response, investigation and enforcement perspectives to support effective regulatory outcomes.

You will provide visible and inclusive leadership to the Evidence & Investigations team, build capability and create an environment where people can perform at their best. You will communicate with clarity, bring people with you and demonstrate the judgement and resolve needed to navigate complex regulatory issues.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to New Zealand’s financial system while working alongside passionate and highly capable colleagues.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will be an experienced senior leader with a strong understanding of investigations and the role they play across the regulatory lifecycle. You may have developed this expertise directly through investigations roles, or through leadership roles involving significant exposure to complex investigation and enforcement activity.

Importantly, you will be able to see and lead beyond your own function. You will build trusted relationships across organisational boundaries, create alignment around shared outcomes and connect Evidence & Investigations effectively into the FMA’s wider regulatory work.

You will bring:

• Proven senior leadership and people leadership experience, including setting direction, leading change and building capability.
• Strong investigations knowledge, gained through direct experience or significant exposure within a regulatory, enforcement or similarly complex environment.
• An understanding of the regulatory lifecycle and how different regulatory functions connect to achieve effective outcomes.
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to build trusted relationships and influence across organisational boundaries.
• Strong communication and engagement skills, including the ability to create clarity and bring people with you through change.
• Sound judgement, courage and resolve when working through complexity and making difficult decisions.
• A continuous improvement mindset and the ability to anticipate and respond to changing regulatory needs.

You don’t need to meet every requirement to apply. At the FMA, a growth mindset is at the heart of our culture. If you bring 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 fostering 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 wellbeing, social and professional development opportunities that help our people thrive and connect.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

If this sounds like your next opportunity, please check out the position description attached and apply online with your updated CV and a brief note outlining your motivation.

Applications close 5pm, Wednesday 11 November 2026.

For specific questions about the opportunity, please contact Kelly Winyard on careers@fma.govt.nz.