Compliance Lead

Project Overview

This role supports one of New Zealand’s most significant and technically complex vertical infrastructure developments. The project is a large-scale, secure operational facility being delivered through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) and joint venture model, bringing together some of the country’s most experienced construction, engineering and service delivery organisations. Designed to operate around the clock once complete, the facility incorporates high-security environments, complex building systems, and long-term asset management requirements. The project environment is fast-paced, highly collaborative and governance-led, with strong interface management across public and private sector stakeholders.

About the Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to play a critical role in delivering a high-profile, nationally significant infrastructure project. As Compliance Lead, you will be responsible for leading and coordinating compliance activities across the project, ensuring adherence to contractual, legal, regulatory and corporate obligations. Working closely with project leadership, functional teams, regulators, auditors and external stakeholders, you will establish and maintain effective compliance frameworks, governance processes and assurance programs that support successful project delivery while protecting the interests and reputation of the joint venture.

About the Role

Based in Christchurch, the Compliance Lead is responsible for overseeing project-wide compliance systems, governance processes, assurance activities and regulatory obligations. The role requires strong collaboration with leadership teams, project functions, clients, regulatory authorities and joint venture partners to ensure compliance risks are proactively managed and project obligations are identified, monitored and met. You will play a key role in fostering a culture of integrity, accountability and continuous improvement while supporting successful project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain project compliance systems, processes and procedures to ensure compliance obligations are identified, managed and monitored
• Monitor compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, contractual requirements, project commitments and company standards
• Provide compliance advice and support to project leadership teams and functional disciplines
• Coordinate compliance assurance activities, inspections, reviews and audits across the project
• Monitor and assess compliance risks and support the development of mitigation strategies and corrective actions
• Maintain registers, reporting systems and compliance documentation required under project and corporate governance frameworks
• Coordinate investigations relating to compliance breaches, concerns or incidents and support the implementation of corrective actions
• Monitor regulatory developments and communicate impacts and requirements to relevant stakeholders
• Support the administration and implementation of ethics, code of conduct, conflict of interest and whistleblower programs
• Develop and deliver compliance awareness, communications and training initiatives across the project
• Support project teams in understanding and meeting contractual compliance obligations and client requirements
• Facilitate compliance reviews and governance meetings, including preparation of reports, action registers and compliance updates
• Liaise with regulators, auditors, clients and external stakeholders regarding compliance-related matters
• Track audit findings, non-conformances and improvement actions through to effective closure
• Prepare regular compliance reports, metrics and performance dashboards for project and business leadership
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen compliance performance, governance maturity and operational effectiveness
• Foster a culture of integrity, accountability and ethical behaviour across the project

About You

• Proven experience in compliance, governance, risk, assurance or regulatory management roles within major infrastructure, construction, engineering, energy or operational environments
• Strong understanding of legislative, regulatory, contractual and corporate compliance obligations
• Experience implementing and maintaining compliance frameworks, governance systems and assurance programs
• Demonstrated ability to manage compliance audits, investigations and review processes
• Strong analytical, reporting and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication capability across all organisational levels
• Ability to build trusted relationships with regulators, auditors, clients and senior leadership teams
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach with a strong commitment to ethical conduct, governance and project outcomes

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Design Management or a related discipline
• Minimum 8-10 years’ experience in compliance, governance, risk or assurance roles
• Experience working within major infrastructure, construction, energy or engineering projects
• Demonstrated experience implementing and maintaining compliance frameworks and governance systems
• Experience managing compliance audits, investigations and assurance activities
• Working knowledge of legislative, regulatory and contractual compliance requirements within project environments
• Experience engaging with regulators, clients, auditors and senior stakeholders
• Strong reporting, analytical and problem-solving capability
• Experience within major project, Alliance, Joint Venture or EPC delivery environments preferred
• Membership of a relevant professional institution preferred
• Understanding of New Zealand construction and design standards

What We Offer

This role offers a genuinely unique opportunity to work within a joint-venture environment, combining the strength and capability of a highly respected New Zealand constructor with the scale, systems, and global experience of a leading international infrastructure organisation.

We offer:

• The opportunity to be embedded in a large-scale, high-profile project from early stages through delivery
• Exposure to both local best practice and world-class global systems and processes, providing invaluable professional development
• A collaborative, inclusive project team environment that values expertise, partnership, and shared success
• Strong leadership, structure, and support within a well-resourced organisation
• Competitive remuneration aligned to skills and experience

The employment relationship will be governed by Australia or New Zealand Employment Law.