Senior Research Economist

At Scitex, we’re proud to be partnering with BRANZ, the Building Research Association of New Zealand, to help them secure a Senior Research Economist who will lead strategic, high-impact work focused on housing affordability and the economics of the built environment.

This is a standout opportunity for an experienced economist to apply their skills in a unique research organisation that influences policy, supports industry, and improves lives through science-led insights.

You’ll join the Sector Insights team—a collaborative, cross-functional group that includes economists, behavioural scientists, and data experts—at BRANZ’s national headquarters in Porirua. Together, you’ll shape research that makes a measurable difference across the building and construction sector in New Zealand.

About the Role

The Senior Research Economist plays a key role in advancing BRANZ’s strategy to deliver housing that is more affordable to build, maintain, and live in. You’ll lead research projects, translate complex data into practical insights, and collaborate with key government, finance, and industry stakeholders.
You’ll also have opportunities to contribute to thought leadership, participate in strategic planning, and mentor others within the team.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Significant experience in economic analysis and insight generation, ideally with exposure to cost-benefit analysis, financial modelling, and research that informs public or sector policy.
• A postgraduate qualification in a quantitative discipline, preferably economics.
• Experience managing complex projects that engage stakeholders across industry, government, and research.
• An ability to translate economic data into meaningful, understandable advice that influences strategic direction.
• Experience in or a strong interest in the built environment or construction economics is an advantage.

Why BRANZ?
 
BRANZ is New Zealand’s trusted independent voice in building science. Their work spans testing, quality assurance, and applied research that has a direct and positive impact on people’s lives. From simulating earthquakes and weather conditions to studying the economics of housing and sustainability, their work environment is genuinely one-of-a-kind.
You’ll be working in a values-led, science-based organisation with a clear purpose.

BRANZ is located in beautiful rural surroundings in Judgeford only a 30 minute drive from Wellington city, and 5 minutes from the Transmission Gully Pāuatahanui interchange. The office is modern and includes a subsidised café, pool table, table tennis table, showers, storage lockers and a large specialist library. There’s free EV charging stations, and parking right at the door.
  
BRANZ provides fully funded Southern Cross medical insurance, income protection insurance and access to free counselling services. 
  
The organisation is underpinned by a culture of collaboration. All people attend training to provide the insights and tools to help establish, maintain, and grow the collaborative culture.
 
How to apply

Click APPLY NOW or call Belinda McKenzie at Scitex Recruitment on 09 200 3121 for a confidential discussion.

To apply for this vacancy, you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, or resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa.

Scitex specialises in permanent, contract and temporary recruitment – and has done so since 1987. We are here to engineer better Mondays. We love connecting talented people with great work opportunities in workplaces where you can thrive and make a meaningful difference.