Principal Adviser, Energy & Airports

About this role

At the Commerce Commission, this is a senior specialist leadership role, equivalent to a chief advisor or lead adviser position in other public sector organisations

The Commerce Commission | Te Komihana Tauhokohoko is New Zealand's competition, consumer, and economic regulatory agency. Our vision is that New Zealanders are better off because markets work well, and consumers and businesses are confident participants.

We are looking for a highly experienced Principal Adviser to provide strategic and technical leadership across our Energy and Airports portfolio, which operates within the Infrastructure Regulation branch. You'll operate as a trusted adviser to Commissioners, senior leaders, and regulatory decision-makers on some of New Zealand's most complex infrastructure issues.

The indicative salary range for this role is $164,024 - $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.

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role

This is a senior advisory role where you'll lead work on some of New Zealand's most significant infrastructure regulation issues. You'll report directly to the Head of Energy & Airports and work alongside the Electricity Distribution Manager and the Transpower, Gas, and Airports Manager to provide expert advice on complex regulatory matters and help shape regulatory strategies that improve outcomes for consumers and support well-functioning infrastructure markets.

You'll be a trusted adviser to our Commissioners and Senior Leadership - bringing sound judgement, original thinking, and deep expertise to complex regulatory challenges. You'll also play an important role in building capability across the branch by mentoring others and sharing your knowledge and experience.

As the Principal Adviser, Energy & Airports, you will:

• Provide expert advice and thought leadership on complex regulatory, economic, and strategic issues affecting the energy and airport sectors.
• Support the development and delivery of sector strategies and work programmes that improve outcomes for consumers and regulated suppliers.
• Lead or contribute to high-profile projects, reviews, and regulatory decisions.
• Anticipate emerging issues, identify risks and opportunities, and provide practical, future-focused advice.
• Build strong relationships with industry participants, government agencies, regulators, and other stakeholders.
• Mentor and support colleagues, helping build capability and a culture of excellence across the branch.
• Contribute to a consistent, evidence-based approach to regulatory decision-making across Infrastructure Regulation.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You're a credible adviser with deep analytical capability and significant (10+ years) experience working in regulatory, policy, economic, infrastructure, or related environments.

You enjoy tackling complex problems, providing strategic insight, and influencing decisions through well-reasoned advice. You can quickly understand technical issues and communicate them clearly to a range of audiences.

You'll bring a collaborative approach, sound judgement, and a genuine interest in supporting high-quality regulatory outcomes for New Zealanders.

We're looking for someone with:

• Significant experience (10+ years) in economic regulation, regulatory policy, infrastructure, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret legislation, assess complex issues, and develop practical solutions.
• Experience providing strategic advice and influencing decision-making on complex or high-profile matters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts in plain language.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• A track record of leading or contributing to complex work programmes and delivering high-quality outcomes.
• A tertiary qualification in economics, law, engineering, commerce, public policy, accounting, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.

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.

Applications close on Monday, 31 August 2026. We are reviewing applications as they come in and interviews may take place during the advertising period. Please note if we receive a high number of applications this opportunity may close prior to the closing date. 

For any queries contact Lisa Weimann on 04 472 2038.

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.