Principal Adviser – Payments
Auckland or Wellington
Permanent, Full-time
$160 – $200 k + 3% KiwiSaver (dependent on experience)

Our client is looking for a seasoned Principal Adviser, Payments to provide strategic and technical leadership across a range of regulatory functions within their payments team. This is a senior-level role where your expertise will directly shape the future of retail payments in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of an evolving and highly impactful sector. As Principal Adviser, you’ll provide both strategic direction and technical insight across a broad portfolio of work. From monitoring system performance and setting rules, to engaging with industry and supporting compliance—you’ll help ensure New Zealand’s payments system is efficient, innovative, and fit for the future.

You’ll be a key player in delivering the agencies payments agenda, influencing system-wide change, and collaborating with other regulators and internal teams. You’ll also lead complex projects, mentor colleagues, and contribute to long-term strategy development.

We’re looking for someone who brings:

·       Proven experience in economic regulation, policy or a related field

·       A strong understanding of regulatory environments

·       Experience in the payments or open banking space would be ideal

·       Alternatively a keen interest in payments, with a readiness to grow deep subject expertise is essential

·       Understanding of regulatory systems and implementation

·       A strategic, systems-level mindset with strong analytical skills

·       Excellent written and verbal communication

·       Confidence working with senior leaders and external stakeholders

This is a permanent role that can be based in Auckland or Wellington with flexible working arrangements available.

Ready to make a difference in the future of payments?
Please send an updated CV to info@thejohnsongroup.co.nz quoting reference number JA6384.