Senior Advisor, Commercial Design

Everybody should have a place to live that is warm, dry, safe, stable and affordable, with access to the support they need to live healthy, successful lives.

Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga - The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) leads Aotearoa - New Zealand's housing and urban development work programme. A key part of our role is to understand what's happening, what the future might hold, and help focus effort across the system to ensure the right settings, tools and funding are in place and drive action through collaboration and partnership.

Mō te tūnga | About the role 

The role is part of the Portfolio Investment team and National Settings branch, as part of the Ministry's Delivery Group.  

The team's purpose is to steward government investment in housing by developing and maintain sound investment practices and frameworks, monitoring and providing insights on investment progress and the impact of investment and to support others to undertake their roles in the housing investment system.  

As Senior Advisor, Commercial Design, you will support the Manager, Portfolio Investment and team to: 

• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the financial and commercial environment experienced by housing providers, including presentation of quantitative and qualitative analysis  

• Develop, review and maintain commercial and financial models to support the Government's agreed investment strategy for housing, including presenting these to a wide audience 

• Undertake quantitative financial and commercial analysis, including forecasting the impact of different commercial models on the Government's policy objectives  

• Work with others, including the legal and finance teams, to develop contracting approaches that achieve the Government's objectives  

• Provide commercial analysis and expertise into other work programmes, including policy development  

The team isn't focused on specific projects, but will lead change in systems and frameworks to achieve better outcomes from government investment in housing and support other teams to apply these frameworks. The team may from time to time be involved in complex, high risk and/or high value projects to provide technical, specialist advice and assurance.  

The salary range for this role is $105,780 to $129, % Kiwisaver contribution. 

Ō wheako, ō pukenga | About you 

You will have strong commercial expertise, especially in project financing and design of commercial models and contracts. We are looking for someone who can contribute their knowledge and experience gained from previous roles (in either the private or public sector) to achieving positive housing outcomes in the public sector.  

Ideally your skills and experience will include 

• Experience in financial analysis including strong quantitative analytical skills 

• A track record in developing commercial models (and associated contracting terms and parameters) to drive improved value for money 

• An understanding of the way government works, policy development and public finance, with a willingness to deepen this knowledge 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including an ability to convey technical analysis easily to a broad audience 

Mō mātou | About us 

Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga reflects the intention of 'the foundation for a treasured home'. The name comes from the Māori whakatauki (proverb) 'he kurakāinga e hokia, he kuratangata e kore e hokia', - 'a treasured home will endure, not so a treasured person'. It carries with it a strong connection to our purpose: he kāingaora, he haporiora - thriving communities where everyone has a place to call home. The importance of ensuring the wellbeing of people within the home, and our connection with the land - acknowledges the generations of people who have always called this place 'home' - and affirms our commitment to delivering for future generations of New Zealanders. 

Ngā painga | What we offer  
 

• Engaging employee-led people networks that celebrate diversity, provide safe spaces, and encourage thought-leadership 

• Close to the railway station, modern office space and cloud -based technology that allows for joined up, cohesive collaboration 

• Wellbeing initiatives, tools and courses, and a discounted health insurance scheme 

• Open minds - we aren't afraid of change and encourage fresh approaches and ideas from people who want to make a difference 

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply 

Please click on the APPLY button to be directed to the application page, from here you can upload your CV and cover letter.  

Please note, while applications close 5pm, Wednesday 7 January 2026, we will be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position. 

Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process. 

For tracking and evaluation purposes, all applications must be submitted via our on-line process. You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be eligible for this position.  

For further inquiries please contact