Principal Investigator at NZ Commerce Commission, Wellington or Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

We are looking for a Principal Investigator to join a newly established Regulatory Investigations team, a dedicated centre of expertise bringing together our investigative capability from across our Market and Infrastructure Regulation branches. This is an opportunity to bring your  deep investigative expertise along with strategic thinking to lead complex work and shape meaningful regulatory outcomes. 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

As a Principal Investigator, you will lead complex investigations and manage programmes of work across a range of markets and legislative frameworks, including grocery, telecommunications, fuel, payments, electricity and gas. You'll bring deep investigative expertise to guide high-risk and high-impact work, while ensuring projects are delivered effectively and in line with our strategic priorities.

You will play a key role in shaping how we work through designing and improving frameworks, processes and approaches that strengthen our regulatory impact.

Working closely with the Manager and wider leadership team, you will:

• lead complex investigations and oversee programmes of work
• provide technical leadership across investigations and analysis
• prepare and support the delivery of high-quality reports and briefings, and present to senior decision-makers, including Commissioners
• mentor and coach investigators to lift capability across the team
• contribute to identifying and responding to emerging market issues

You will work across different regulatory systems rather than a single sector, offering variety and the opportunity to develop and influence approaches and expertise across Market and Infrastructure Regulation.

The indicative salary range for this role is $150,269 - $176,787 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

You are an experienced investigator with strong analytical capability and a track record of leading complex work programmes. You bring a strategic mindset and apply sound judgement when working across competing priorities.

You will also have:

• extensive experience leading investigations and applying legislation
• strong project and programme management capability
• the ability to analyse complex issues and apply legal and economic frameworks
• excellent communication skills, with experience delivering advice, reports and presentations
• proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders
• experience mentoring others and providing quality assurance

You are also adaptable, curious, and comfortable contributing to broader organisational priorities.

As our organisation flexes and adapts to meet changing priorities and commitments, we are looking for people who are also comfortable with change, able to adapt, and can contribute positively to a one Commission view. Your ability to show your learning agility, open mindedness and curiosity will set you apart from the rest.

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.

Te wāhi mahi | Working here

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 04 472 2038. Closing date for applications: Monday, 22 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.