Principal Investigator/Adviser, Competition Investigations at NZ Commerce Commission, Wellington or Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

We are looking for an experienced Principal Investigator or Principal Adviser with significant competition law and/or competition economics experience to join our Competition Investigations team. This role requires a strong background in analysing complex competition issues and applying competition law and economics concepts in practice.

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role

The Competition Investigations team undertake investigations into potential breaches of the Commerce Act, focusing on complaints alleging the misuse of market power and anti-competitive agreements (sections 27 and 36 of the Commerce Act).  The team also deals with authorisations of potentially anti-competitive conduct and outreach.

Working closely with the Investigators in your team you will help manage their workload and support their ongoing development. You will also be responsible for maintaining connection and alignment with investigation work across the wider Competition and Commission's Investigations and Compliance teams through collaborating with your Principal Investigator peers and contributing to the Competition Investigations enforcement strategy.

Key aspects of the role include:

• leading and developing a high-performing investigations team across a busy programme of work
• coaching and mentoring staff, and supporting the Manager to lead the team
• leading complex competition investigations involving legal and economic analysis
• applying competition law and economics concepts to assess market conduct and competitive effects
• working with multidisciplinary teams of investigators, lawyers and economists
• gathering, analysing and presenting complex evidence and information to decision-makers
• building effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Commissioners and the business community
• contributing to outreach, operational policy work, and awareness of emerging market issues

The indicative salary range for this role is $150,269 - $192,969 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 Competition Investigations team is looking for someone with proven experience in competition law, competition economics, or competition investigations. You will have a strong understanding of competition frameworks and be confident analysing complex competition issues, economic evidence and market behaviour.

You'll also be skilled in providing advice, drafting reports and delivering presentations both internally and externally. Used to working in a project management framework or project team, you will comfortably lead projects to delivery. A capable leader with strong relationship skills, you'll confidently lead and develop Investigators and expertly manage internal and external stakeholders.

We are looking for a Principal Investigator/Principal Adviser who has:

• demonstrated experience in competition law, competition economics, or leading competition investigations
• a strong ability to analyse complex competition issues and apply competition law and economic principles
• leadership capabilities including coaching and mentoring team members
• experience leading complex investigations or regulatory projects
• strong analytical, organisational and project management skills
• experience working within a multidisciplinary environment, including with lawyers and economists
• effective communication skills and sound judgement

You must have significant experience working in competition law, competition economics, competition policy, or competition investigations. A tertiary qualification in law, economics, or a related discipline is highly desirable.

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.

For any queries contact Lisa Weimann on 04 472 2038. Closing date for applications: Thursday,16 July 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.