Principal Adviser

We are looking for a Principal Adviser Performance & Internal Governance Uplift Programme to lead the day-to-day coordination and implementation of this important fixed-term programme on behalf of the Chief of Staff (end date 30 June 2027).

This role is based in our Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) office.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

Following a governance review and a significant programme of organisational improvement, we are strengthening how governance, planning, performance and accountability operate across the Commerce Commission.

The role combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You'll work across the organisation to coordinate programme activities, develop practical tools and reporting products, improve organisational practices, and help embed sustainable ways of working.

You'll partner with senior leaders and teams across the Commission to translate complex governance, performance and reporting requirements into solutions people can understand, use and value. You'll help strengthen governance, accountability, planning and performance practices across the Commission, translating complex requirements into practical frameworks, reporting products, tools and ways of working that improve decision-making and organisational effectiveness.

The indicative salary range for this role is $193,627 - $227,796 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 variety of backgrounds and life experiences which together support the fabric of our mahi and contributes to our vision to make New Zealanders better off.

If you have the following skills and attributes, you could make a great Principal Adviser:

• Experience advising senior leaders, Boards or governance committees
• Expertise in governance, performance, risk and organisational improvement
• Strong reporting capability, including dashboards and decision support tools
• Experience simplifying processes and embedding sustainable change
• Able to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups
• Experience using digital, data and AI-enabled solutions to improve services and decision-making

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 Sunday, 23 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](tel: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.