Director Regulatory Operations

Mō tēnei tūranga | About this role

Lead a nationally significant regulatory function that helps keep tamariki safe and supports quality early childhood education across Aotearoa New Zealand.

At ERO, we're committed to improving outcomes for children and young people through independent evaluation and effective regulation. We are looking for an experienced and strategic leader to join our Early Childhood Education leadership team as our Director Regulatory Operations.

This is an opportunity to shape how a modern regulator operates, lead a high-performing national team, and influence outcomes across the early learning sector.

As Director Regulatory Operations, you will lead the effective, consistent, and nationally coordinated delivery of ERO's regulatory operations for early childhood education. You'll provide strategic leadership across regulatory practice, operational performance, risk management, and workforce capability while ensuring ERO meets its statutory responsibilities.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive Regulatory and Early Childhood Education, you'll be responsible for translating strategic priorities into operational delivery and building a high-performing, future-focused regulatory function.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading ERO's national regulatory operating model and service standards
• Providing assurance on regulatory performance, quality, risk, and outcomes
• Overseeing complex, high-risk, and sensitive regulatory matters
• Driving operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Leading organisational capability, workforce planning, and succession strategies
• Building strong relationships across government, the education sector, iwi, Māori, and key stakeholders
• Providing strategic advice to senior leaders and statutory decision-makers
• Championing a consistent, evidence-based, and risk-informed approach to regulation

Mōhou ake | About you

• You will be a seasoned senior leader who combines strategic thinking with strong operational delivery.
• To be successful in this role, you'll bring:
• Significant senior leadership experience in a regulatory, compliance, assurance, operational, or similarly complex environment
• A strong understanding of regulatory practice, administrative law, natural justice, and evidence-based decision-making
• Experience managing significant legal, operational, reputational, and regulatory risks
• A track record of leading organisational change and improving performance
• Exceptional relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience providing trusted advice to senior executives and decision-makers
• Strong people leadership skills and experience leading geographically dispersed teams
• Financial, workforce, and resource management expertise
• Political acumen and the ability to operate effectively in a complex public sector environment.

Ko mātou | About Us

At ERO you'll find:

• Meaningful work that contributes directly to better outcomes for children and whānau
• The opportunity to lead a nationally significant regulatory function
• An organisation committed to continuous improvement and learning
• A collaborative and values-driven leadership environment
• Flexible ways of working and a focus on wellbeing
• The chance to help shape regulatory excellence across the sector.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

If you are an experienced senior leader with a passion for public service, regulatory excellence, and delivering better outcomes for tamariki and whānau, we'd love to hear from you.

Please click "Apply" to view the full position description and submit your application. We encourage you to bring your whole self to your application.

If you would like further information about the role, reach out to for a chat. For any other questions about the recruitment process, you can contact [email protected].

We will be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position. Please let us know in your application if you require any assistance from us during the process. Applications will close on Sunday 11 October 2026. Check out our careers site to learn more about working at ERO.

Note to Recruitment Agencies: unsolicited CVs will not be accepted, do not contact the Hiring Manager directly, instead reach out to [email protected]

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Background and various pre-employment checks are part of our recruitment process.