Strategic Economic Development Analyst

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

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