Head of Data and AI

• Strategic Leadership: Drive NZTA’s enterprise-wide data and AI strategy, leading high-performing teams and managing a significant budget to deliver impactful digital transformation.

• Technical Excellence: Oversee modern data platforms and architectures, champion data governance, and enable data-driven decision-making across the organisation.

• Location: Auckland or Wellington

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity   

At NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), we’re on a mission to create a land transport system that connects people, products, and places for a thriving Aotearoa. Our Te Aukaha | Digital group is at the heart of this transformation—delivering future-focused digital solutions, enabling data-driven decision-making, and supporting our people with secure, flexible, and collaborative technologies.

We’re seeking a visionary leader to join our Te Aukaha | Digital group as Head of Data and AI—a pivotal role driving digital transformation across Aotearoa’s land transport system. You’ll lead our enterprise-wide data strategy and unlock innovation by enabling enterprise data outcomes and artificial intelligence, shaping how data empowers decision-making and public outcomes.

As Head of Data and AI, you will:

• Lead the agency’s data strategy and drive data-driven decision-making across NZTA.

• Oversee all aspects of data management, governance, and infrastructure.

• Build and mentor high-performing teams of data engineers, scientists, and analysts.

• Shape scalable data architecture and implement advanced analytical platforms.

• Collaborate with senior leaders to embed data into strategic and operational decision-making.

• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.

This is a senior leadership role requiring strategic vision, technical depth, and the ability to influence and deliver at pace. You’ll play a critical role in converting strategy into action and improving how New Zealanders experience the land transport system.

You will find out more about the role here Position Description

Ko koe tēnei | About you   

In addition to your proven leadership skills, you’ll bring to the role:

• Extensive senior leadership experience (10+ years) in data management, the utilisation of data to drive enterprise outcomes, or related fields, with a proven ability to deliver strategic outcomes.

• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to inspire teams and engage stakeholders across all levels of an organisation.

• A proven track record in leading large, complex programmes and managing budgets, resources, and timelines effectively.

• A strategic mindset, capable of translating business needs into actionable data initiatives and scalable solutions.

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across diverse teams and interests.

• Deep technical expertise in data modelling, data lakes, enterprise data platforms e.g. Databrick, data visualisation, and cloud engineering (preferably Azure).

• Commitment to inclusive leadership, fostering diverse, high-performing teams and promoting equity and belonging.

• Understanding of governance and regulatory environments, with experience in data privacy, security, and compliance best practices.

Mō mātou |About Us

Te Aukaha | Digital strengthens NZTA through supporting our people and delivering future-focussed solutions. We enable digital change, provide quality data, information and security services, and create flexible and collaborative workspaces

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return

• A competitive salary and benefits package.

• Flexible working arrangements, including [remote/hybrid options - role dependant].

• Along with our other benefits we also have 5 weeks annual leave and an Income Protection and Critical illness Insurance scheme available for all permanent employees. 

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.