Manager Operations

Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Location: Auckland
Business Group: Regulatory Services
Branch: Regulation and Identity Services
Salary: $115,425 - $143,640 (Midpoint of the band is $128,250)
Operations Manager AML | Lead people, deliver regulatory outcomes and help shape the future of AML/CFT regulation in Aotearoa
New Zealand’s AML/CFT system is changing – and we are looking for people who want to help shape what comes next.
Join Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs and help shape a modern regulator that protects our financial system from money laundering and terrorism financing.
We are building a sophisticated, risk-based regulator that uses data, technology and sound judgement to focus effort where it will have the greatest impact. We need an operations manager who combines strong people leadership with a substantial background in regulatory compliance, investigations and enforcement, translates regulatory priorities into effective delivery and builds strong relationships with businesses and key stakeholders.
As Operations Manager AML, you will lead a team delivering supervision, investigative and enforcement work. You will set clear expectations, prioritise activity using intelligence and evidence, manage workloads and resources, and oversee timely, consistent and proportionate regulatory responses. You will support sound, legally defensible decision-making and maintain oversight of complex, sensitive and high-risk matters.
You will build team capability through coaching, development and a supportive, accountable team culture. Working with colleagues across AML/CFT, you will strengthen regulatory practice, improve operational processes and help your team navigate change. If you want to lead people who change behaviour, disrupt financial crime and make compliance simpler for those trying to do the right thing, we want to hear from you.
We’re looking for an operations manager who:
leads, coaches and develops people, setting clear expectations and building a supportive, accountable team culture
translates regulatory priorities into practical work plans and manages workloads and resources to deliver timely outcomes
uses intelligence, evidence and operational insights to prioritise effort and respond to emerging and system-level risks
brings strong practical experience in regulatory compliance, investigations and enforcement, and uses that expertise to guide consistent, proportionate regulatory activity and sound decision-making
builds trusted stakeholder relationships, communicates clearly and handles challenging conversations with confidence
leads through change and improves operational processes, regulatory tools and practice.
You will bring proven people leadership and operational management capability, together with substantial practical experience in regulatory compliance, investigations and enforcement. You will have a strong understanding of evidence gathering, assessing non-compliance and applying proportionate enforcement responses, enabling you to guide your team through complex regulatory matters. You will be confident setting priorities, supporting legally defensible decision-making and delivering outcomes through others. AML/CFT knowledge is highly desirable, along with strategic judgement, clear writing and trusted relationship-building.
Why now?
DIA has moved to become New Zealand’s sole AML/CFT regulator, creating an opportunity to strengthen regulatory capability and build a highly effective, responsive and risk-based regulator.
To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/
Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz
To review the full job description, please click here.
In return, we offer:
Meaningful work with national impact.
Opportunities to strengthen your people leadership, operational management and AML/CFT expertise.
The opportunity to lead delivery of complex compliance and enforcement activity.
Flexible working arrangements.
A supportive team culture and ongoing professional development.
How to apply I Me pēhea te tuku tono
We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We recognise a diverse workforce contributes to better business outcomes. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees have equal access.
Applications for this role close 5pm, Friday 20 November 2026.

Skills
Regulatory Compliance