Senior Economist, Competition

Senior Economist, Competition at NZ Commerce Commission, Wellington or Auckland

We are looking for a seasoned Senior Economist to join our Competition Economics team.

This is a permanent position based in our either Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) office or Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) office.

As the economic regulator for key sectors including electricity, gas, airports, telecommunications, fuel, and groceries, we work to ensure long-term benefits for consumers.

We protect markets through policy, processes, investigations, economic strategy and analysis for the purpose of implementing competition law.

Our economists play a vital role in tackling complex questions :

How can we incentivise innovation?

What are the competitive effects of algorithms and artificial intelligence, and how should competition policy adopt to these new and emerging technologies?

How can we promote competition in markets that are not as competitive as they may be?

Mo te turanga | About the role

As a Senior Economist in the Competition Economics team, you will be a trusted advisor who provides specialist economic advice, research and support to the Competition, Fair Trading and Credit Branch, other branches as required and to Commissioners.

The Competition teams are responsible for leading operational strategy, policy, processes, investigations, economic strategy and analysis for the purpose of implementing competition law.

This includes carrying out market studies, deciding merger applications, investigating restrictive trade practices that substantially lessen competition as well as cartel and other anti-competitive behaviour.

As a valued member of the Competition Economics team, you will be working alongside experienced economists, lawyers, and investigators in a stimulating, collegial and fast moving multi-disciplinary environment.

You will work on innovative issues and apply and expand your quantitative and competition economics skills to provide high-quality economic advice to assist and inform decision makers.

The indicativesalary range for this role is $134,039 to $157,693 plus 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects their individual skills, experience, and internal relativities across the organisation.

To be successful in this role you will have qualifications in economics or a related discipline, preferably at honours level or above.

You will also have :

Expert knowledge and experience in the application of antitrust / competition economics, or a related discipline such as micro-economics, industrial organisation or behavioural economics

Some knowledge and experience in the application of econometrics, statistics, mathematics or other quantitative methods

Strong analytical skills and ability to present analysis clearly and within tight timeframes

Experience and success working effectively with teams in a multi-disciplinary environment

Strong communication and influencing skills

Ability to develop effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Experience mentoring and coaching junior staff

Read more about the skills, experience and knowledge required for this position in the position description.

If you are applying via SEEK, by clicking Apply Now you will be redirected to our careers page where you can access our position description.

We're friendly and collaborative and enjoy contributing to our shared vision of making New Zealanders better off and are committed to our people's wellbeing.Our flexible working options are key to supporting that goal and our people have the technology they need to make it happen.

Our environment is inclusive, and our people know they are free to be their authentic selves at work and structure the way they work to suit their lifestyle.

Click here to find out more about benefits and life here at Te Komihana Tauhokohoko | The Commerce Commission.

Ka pehea te tono mai | How to apply

If you want to contribute to our vision to make New Zealanders better off, please click 'Apply for this job' below.

You will need to complete an online application form and upload your CV and Cover Letter outlining your motivation for applying for this role and the skills and experience you bring.

We will be screening applications as we receive them to move swiftly to interview shortly after the advert closes.

For any queries contact Lisa Weimann on 04 472 2038.

Closing date for applications :

Sunday, 23 August 2025

Studies have shown that women and people from under-represented backgrounds are less likely to apply for roles where they don't match the job description criteria exactly.

If you're excited about this role and think you have what it takes, but your experience doesn't align 100%, we still want to hear from you and would encourage you to apply.

Our recruitment process is fair, inclusive and free from bias and we encourage our applicants to let us know if we can make it more user friendly for them.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

We value diverse perspectives and the contribution every one of our people makes to our culture.

Put simply – you can be yourself here.

Employer : NZ Commerce Commission

Location : Wellington or Auckland

Position type : Permanent

Category : Government, Policy, Planning & Regulation

Note : You may be redirected to the employer's careers website.

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