Senior Economist (IR)

Our Infrastructure Regulation Economics team is looking for a permanent Senior Economist based in either our Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) or Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) office.

As the economic regulator for key infrastructure sectors, we work to deliver long-term benefits for consumers. We do so by promoting competition and, where competition is not possible, by promoting outcomes consistent with those produced in competitive markets.

We have a Commission-wide Economics team which covers the breadth of the Commission's work. Our economists tackle a diverse range of questions with rigour, accuracy, and insight. They are involved in solving challenging and varied questions such as :

• 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 incentivise innovation by regulated monopolies, such as electricity lines businesses?
• How can we promote competition in markets that are not as competitive as they may be?

Mō te tūranga | About the role

Our infrastructure Economics sub-team focuses on sector-specific monopoly regulation in electricity, gas, airports, fibre and water.

A key focus of this role is technical leadership in regulatory economics. Experience or knowledge of water sector economic regulation will be especially relevant. Recent and ongoing projects include resetting price-quality paths for electricity lines, gas pipelines, reviewing our methods for estimating the cost of capital across all sectors, and developing the new regulatory regime for water infrastructure. As part of the wider Economics team, you may also contribute to competition, market regulation work, and strategic economic projects.

Working alongside other experienced economists, you will be part of a stimulating and collegial environment. You will provide advice to decision makers within the Commission and be a key member of multi-disciplinary project teams, in a fast-moving environment. Our economists are trusted advisors delivering specialist advice, research and support across the Commission's enforcement, regulatory, and policy work.

The indicativesalary range for this position is $134,039 to $157,693. Our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution is additional to this. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects their individual skills, experience, and internal relativities across the organisation.

You're curious, motivated, and passionate about how markets work.

You'll lead economic thinking and advise decision-makers to help deliver competitive market benefits to New Zealand consumers and businesses.

We're looking for someone with :

A postgraduate qualification in economics or a closely related field such as finance is desirable. The ideal candidate will have experience in regulatory economics in an economic regulator, economics consultancy, regulated supplier or within academia.

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 pēhea 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 . Closing date for applications : Sunday 19 October 2025.

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.

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