Principal Adviser, Payments

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

We are looking for a Principal Adviser for our Payments team. This is a permanent, full-time position based in either our Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) or Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) offices.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of retail payments in Aotearoa New Zealand. As a Principal Adviser in our Payments team, you'll play a pivotal role in a dynamic and high-impact environment—where innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement are at the heart of what we do.

You'll provide both technical and strategic leadership across a broad portfolio of work, supporting the delivery and prioritisation of our payments agenda. Your work will span performance monitoring, advocacy and engagement, rule-setting, and compliance, while also contributing to related initiatives across the Commission and with other financial regulators.

This senior role requires a system-wide perspective and the ability to influence at a high level. You'll contribute to strategy development, lead complex projects, and mentor colleagues. We welcome candidates who bring strong regulatory and analytical skills and are ready to quickly build deep expert knowledge of the payments system, if you don't already possess this expertise.

You'll be central to our efforts to improve the efficiency of the current payments system and foster an environment that supports greater competition and innovation—ultimately delivering better outcomes for consumers and businesses.

The indicative salary range for this role is $159,951 - $188,178 plus 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects their individual skills, experience, and internal relativities across the organisation.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You're a strategic thinker who thrives in fast-paced, complex environments. You're equally comfortable developing high-level strategy and rolling up your sleeves to deliver results. You communicate clearly, build trusted relationships, and enjoy mentoring others.

You bring a strong understanding of regulatory environments and a track record of delivering impactful work. You're proactive, solutions-focused, and confident engaging with senior stakeholders.

We're looking for someone with a mix of the following skills and experience:

• A strong interest in payments and a willingness to develop deep expertise in the area
• Proven experience in economic regulation or a related field
• Understanding of regulatory systems and implementation
• Excellent conceptual and lateral thinker, with the ability to step back and apply problem solving skills with the bigger picture in mind
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities
• Demonstrated success in leading or contributing to complex projects
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with attention to detail
• Confidence engaging with senior leaders, Commissioners, and industry representatives

Read more about the skills, experience and knowledge required for this position in the position descriptions. 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 is Tuesday, 17 June 2025.

Studies have shown that women and people from under-represented backgrounds are less likely to apply for roles where they don't match the job description criteria exactly. If you're excited about this role and think you have what it takes, but your experience doesn't align 100%, we still want to hear from you and would encourage you to apply.

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.