Senior Analyst Economic Development

Nelson City Council; Nelson; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson City Council is seeking a commercially minded Senior Analyst Economic Development to shape investment decisions, economic strategy and regional growth for Whakatū Nelson. You’ll evaluate business cases, funding proposals and initiatives to ensure evidence-based, commercially sound outcomes that deliver value to the community.

The role requires strong analytical capability across complex data, plus the confidence to present findings to senior leaders and elected members, influencing

Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop business cases and evaluate investment options.
• Strong capability in cost-benefit analysis and economic modelling.
• Experience translating complex data into clear, actionable insights.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate business cases, investment proposals and partnerships using robust economic and commercial analysis.
• Undertake cost-benefit assessments and option analysis to support strategic decision making.
• Translate complex economic and demographic data into clear recommendations for leaders and decision makers.
• Assess the effectiveness and value-for-money of Council programmes and investments.
• Develop and maintain economic indicators, productivity trends and sector insights.
• Lead economic impact analysis of events and funding proposals with robust evidence.
• Establish performance frameworks and success measures for monitoring initiatives.

Skills

Economic analysis

Cost-benefit analysis

Investment evaluation

Data analytics

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder communication

Business case development

Regional economies

Education

Tertiary qualification in economics or related field

Job description

Shaping our future | Kōmiria te anamata

Nelson City Council is undertaking one of the most significant local government transformations in New Zealand. Through Shaping Our Future, we’re organising ourselves around the people and communities we serve, getting clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the years ahead. We’re also working more closely with iwi, neighbouring councils and other partners to deliver better outcomes for Whakatū Nelson. Our new structure is in place, and we’re now recruiting for the roles that will bring it to life.

You’ll be part of a new function strengthening evidence-based decisions, strategic partnerships and economic outcomes for the region.

We're partnering with Beyond Recruitment in the search for a commercially minded and analytically driven Senior Analyst Economic Development. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping investment decisions, economic strategy and regional growth outcomes for one of New Zealand's most progressive councils.

Why Nelson? Why Nelson City Council?

Nelson is a region where natural beauty, innovation and economic opportunity come together. Known for its sunshine, stunning coastal environment, thriving arts sector and strong entrepreneurial spirit, Nelson offers an enviable lifestyle alongside the opportunity to work on issues that genuinely shape the future of the region.

As one of New Zealand's unitary authorities, Nelson City Council combines both city and regional responsibilities, creating a unique environment where strategic thinking can have a direct and lasting impact. Council is committed to evidence-based decision making, community outcomes and sustainable economic growth, making this an exciting opportunity for an experienced analyst looking to influence high-value investment and policy decisions.

About the role

Reporting to the Manager Economic Development, the Senior Analyst Economic Development provides the economic analysis, modelling and commercial insight that underpins Council's investment, funding and partnership decisions. The role evaluates business cases, funding proposals and economic development initiatives while ensuring investment decisions are evidence-based, commercially sound and deliver value to the Nelson community.

Key responsibilities

• Evaluate business cases, investment proposals and partnership opportunities using robust economic and commercial analysis.
• Undertake cost-benefit assessments and option analysis to support strategic decision making.
• Translate complex economic, demographic and sector data into clear and practical recommendations for senior leaders and elected members.
• Assess the effectiveness, economic impact and value for money of Council programmes and investments.
• Develop and maintain Nelson's economic intelligence base, including economic indicators, productivity trends and sector performance insights.
• Lead economic impact analysis of events and funding proposals, ensuring investment decisions are supported by robust evidence.
• Establish performance frameworks and success measures to monitor the effectiveness of economic development initiatives.

What you'll bring

• A relevant tertiary qualification in economics, finance, data analytics or a related discipline.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to critically evaluate investment opportunities and funding proposals.
• Proven experience developing business cases, undertaking cost-benefit analysis and evaluating investment options.
• Experience analysing regional economies, industry sectors, productivity trends and growth opportunities.
• Advanced analytical capability with experience working across complex economic and demographic datasets.
• The confidence to provide independent advice and present findings to senior stakeholders and decision makers.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to turn complex analysis into clear, compelling insights.