Regulatory Rules Manager at NZ Commerce Commission, Wellington or Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Ko mātou tēnei | Who we are

The Commerce Commission | Te Komihana Tauhokohoko is New Zealand's competition, fair trading, consumer credit and economic regulatory agency.

Our Infrastructure Regulation branch plays a critical role in ensuring key markets - including electricity, gas, airports, and water - deliver long-term benefits to consumers.

We are looking for an experienced manager to provide strategic and technical leadership across our central rules function. This is an opportunity to influence how regulation operates across multiple sectors and shape the future direction of our regulatory frameworks.

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role

This is a senior leadership role responsible for leading the development, oversight, and evolution of regulatory rules and frameworks across sectors.

You will:

• Lead a team of professionals, building capability and fostering a high-performing, inclusive culture
• Provide strategic direction on input methodologies, price-quality regulation, and cross-sector consistency of regulatory approaches
• Deliver complex work programmes, including reviews of regulatory settings such as cost of capital and price paths
• Ensure regulatory rules are clear, robust, and effectively implemented across sectors
• Work collaboratively with sector teams, senior leaders, and external stakeholders to align priorities and deliver impact

This role is key to ensuring our regulatory frameworks are fit-for-purpose, promote investment certainty, and ultimately improve outcomes for consumers.

The indicative salary range for this role is $175,218 - $206,139 plus 3.5% KiwiSaver employer contribution. The successful candidate will be appointed at a starting salary which reflects their individual skills, experience, and internal relativities across the organisation.

He kōrero mōu | About you

Our people come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, and we value the diversity that strengthens our organisation.

You may come from regulation, economics, policy, or a related field, but ideally you will bring:

• Proven experience leading and developing teams of professionals
• Strong expertise in economic regulation, particularly price controls, input methodologies, or similar frameworks
• Experience delivering complex programmes of work and high-quality regulatory or policy advice
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels and communicate complex ideas clearly
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical capability, and sound judgement
• The ability to work effectively in complex, evolving environments and collaborate across teams

Your leadership style will reflect curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement, helping shape both team capability and the broader regulatory system.

Te wāhi mahi | Working here

We're friendly, collaborative, and driven by our shared vision of making New Zealanders better off. We offer flexible working options, modern technology, and an inclusive environment where you can bring your whole self to work. Our people are empowered to work in ways that suit their lifestyles while contributing to meaningful outcomes for New Zealand.

Click here to find out more about benefits and life here at the Commission.

Ka pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

If you're excited by the opportunity to shape regulatory frameworks that impact key sectors across New Zealand, we'd love to hear from you.

Please click ‘Apply for this job' and submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience.

For any queries, contact Liz Martin on 04 924 3625.Closing date for applications:  Sunday 14 June 2026.

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.