Regulatory Affairs Manager

About the Organisation

Southern Cross Health Insurance is working to improve health and wellbeing across Aotearoa New Zealand. Its purpose is to help members live well for longer by providing timely access to quality care, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and contributing to positive change throughout the health system. As a New Zealand-owned, member-focused organisation, it aims to place wellbeing at the centre of its work while creating a strong environment for its people.

This is an opportunity to join a high-performing team guided by clear values, where people come first and your contribution can make a meaningful difference.

About the Role

Regulatory affairs is a growing priority for the organisation as laws and regulator expectations continue to evolve. In this role, you will help connect external regulatory developments with internal business action, working closely with stakeholders across the organisation and building relationships with regulators such as the FMA and RBNZ.

You will be supported as you deepen your capability in the role and grow into the responsibilities over time.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Regulatory Affairs Lead, you will support regulator engagement and help the business prepare for and respond to regulatory change. Your work will include scanning for upcoming legislative developments, drafting responses to consultations, and advising project teams and Line 1 on change risk assessments.

You will also prepare regulatory horizon reporting for HSLT, Board, and Executive governance forums, maintain the regulator engagement register, and develop guidance materials and training content that strengthen understanding of regulatory obligations across the organisation.

The team works in a lean, fast-moving environment where priorities can change quickly, so adaptability and the ability to manage a varied workload are important. The role also supports the organisation’s shift toward a more proactive approach to regulatory change. This is an individual contributor position with no direct reports, where influence is built through sound advice, trusted relationships, and collaboration.

What You Will Do

• Help the business understand and prepare for upcoming regulatory changes.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments on an ongoing basis.
• Contribute to the drafting of responses to regulatory consultations.
• Keep the regulator engagement register current and provide reporting on engagement activity.
• Offer regulatory guidance to project teams and Line 1 during change risk assessments.
• Prepare horizon reporting for HSLT, Board, and Executive governance forums.
• Create guidance documents, training modules, and practical processes for the regulatory affairs function.
• Assist the business, Line 1 Risk, and Legal teams with remediation activities.
• Help manage relationships with the FMA, RBNZ, and relevant industry bodies.
• Support regulatory reporting to governance committees.

What You Will Bring

• A legal background, preferably a law degree, or an equivalent foundation in legal or regulatory thinking.
• Some experience in regulatory affairs, compliance, risk, or governance; experience in financial services or insurance is useful, though experience from other regulated sectors is also valued.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to turn complex information into practical, easy-to-use guidance.
• The ability to juggle multiple priorities and adjust quickly in a changing environment.
• Confidence in building relationships both internally and with external stakeholders.
• A structured and methodical approach to detailed or complex subject matter.
• Exposure to Board or executive governance processes would be an advantage.

Why Join Us

You will be joining a proud, diverse team that values care, honesty, and authenticity. The organisation supports professional growth as well as personal wellbeing, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance and creating an environment where people are encouraged and recognised for living well.

Employee Benefits

• Five days of wellbeing leave each year.
• Health insurance for you and your immediate whānau.
• Life insurance cover, plus discounts on pet and travel insurance.
• Additional parental leave support and financial wellbeing assistance.
• Access to a workplace wellbeing programme.

Inclusion and Culture

The organisation has signed the Pride Pledge, showing its commitment to inclusion and belonging. It also supports an active employee-led Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Forum, including the Rainbow Network, Māori Network, Pasifika Collective, and Neurodiversity and Whānau Support networks.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, onsite role based in Auckland, New Zealand. No direct reports are attached to this position.

If you share the organisation’s values and passion, you are encouraged to apply.