Regulatory affairs specialist

Regulatory affairs specialists make sure organisations are following government and industry regulations. They oversee internal audits, data collection, inspections, licences and reporting.

Also known as

Regulatory affairs associate, senior technical officer, internal affairs associate, senior internal affairs inspector, inspector and regulatory officer, local government administrator, senior adviser enforcement

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours
  • Usually work in offices and may travel nationally
  • Need to be accurate, responsible and communicate well

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$52K-$160K 52000

Typical tasks

  • Make sure businesses follow industry rules
  • Give advice about compliance rules
  • Check audits, data collections, licences and reports
  • Organise paperwork for government approval
  • Prepare regulatory or compliance documentation
  • Explain rules, policies and procedures
  • Check how laws and rules effect businesses
  • Oversee business processes
  • Make sure product details meet government rules
  • Collect technical information and data for reports

Outlook

Regulatory affairs specialists support industries that operate in highly regulated environments, particularly healthcare, medical devices, biotechnology and consumer products. Growing international trade, evolving regulations and increased use of digital systems are influencing how organisations meet compliance requirements. Around the world, regulatory teams are increasingly using automation, data analytics and artificial intelligence to manage regulatory information more efficiently.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Strong research and analytical skills
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to interpret regulations and guidelines
  • Clear written communication skills
  • Organisation and record-management skills
  • Problem-solving and critical-thinking ability

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.