Chief Executive

About this role

About the Commerce Commission

The Commerce Commission is New Zealand's competition regulator, with a broad remit to promote competitive outcomes across many sectors. These outcomes include competitive markets, where consumers and businesses are confident, well-informed and empowered because their interests are protected, and sectors with little or no competition are appropriately regulated.

The Commerce Commission is an Independent Crown Entity that administers and enforces laws relating to competition, fair trading, and economic regulation. The economic regulation work is in sectors that include telecommunications, energy networks, transport fuel, the retail payment system, dairy, water, grocery and airports. The Commerce Commission's vision is that New Zealanders are better off because markets work well and consumers and businesses are confident market participants.

About the role

The Chief Executive of the Commerce Commission is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of an Independent Crown Entity dedicated to ensuring New Zealand's markets function effectively for consumers and businesses. The role's strategic priorities include building and overseeing the delivery of the Commission's long-term strategy, fostering an inclusive, agile and high-performing workforce, and ensuring sound fiscal responsibility.

The purpose of the role is to drive internal efficiencies, external engagement, ongoing evaluation of progress against Commerce Commission's strategic priorities, and periodic testing of those priorities. Success requires working with the Chair and Board in a mutually reinforcing manner, and working with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure effective management of resources, and the delivery of a large and complex work programme.

About you

Ideally candidates will bring a mix of the following attributes:

Previous experience operating at a senior executive level, including reporting to a Board, with a successful history and credibility in building and changing engaged, high-performance teams.
A functional leadership background in disciplines and sectors of relevance to the Commerce Commission's work.
A track record in collaboration and building strong stakeholder relationships in a complex environment.
High calibre expertise in leading strategy, governance, communications, insights and analysis within a large or complex organisation.
An in-depth understanding of the machinery of government, regulatory systems and regulatory tools from enforcement to outreach, and delivery alongside experience in working with key government agencies.
How to apply

Kerridge & Partners is managing the appointment process for this role. To apply or express interest, please contact Sam Webster at sam.webster@kerridgepartners.com or call +64 9 969 9900. Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday, 20 January 2026,

Job details

Job reference:
CC/1901956E

Job category:
Managers and Senior Leadership

Location:
Wellington

Job type:
Fixed-term

Date posted:
24-Dec-2026

Application close date:
20-Jan-2026