AI Implementation and Innovation Team Leader

Tēnā koe. Nau mai ki te Kuratini Tuwhera.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We're looking for an AI Implementation and Innovation Team Leader to join our Digital Directorate at Open Polytechnic. This is a unique opportunity to lead a team at the forefront of embedding AI capabilities into learning delivery, student support, and internal operations.

In this newly established leadership role, you'll develop and communicate a clear AI vision aligned with Open Polytechnic's strategic goals. You'll lead a small cross-functional team to deliver scalable, ethical, and user-centric AI solutions. This role also plays a key part in managing unstructured data and ensuring robust information governance.

You'll work closely with internal teams and external partners to guide the design, deployment, and scaling of AI-powered tools such as chatbots, predictive analytics, and personalised learning systems.

This position is full-time permenant position based at our campus in Lower Hutt, with some flexibility around working from home.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the AI and Information Management team and setting strategic direction

• Driving the implementation of AI solutions across educational and operational areas

• Championing responsible and ethical AI practices

• Collaborating with architecture, digital services, and scrum teams

• Supporting change management and capability building across the organisation

• Overseeing governance of unstructured data and information architecture

Ngā pūkenga mo te tūnga | What you will bring to the role

The position description sets out in detail the experience, skills and competencies you will bring to this role, with the following deemed critical to your successful performance of role accountabilities:

• A degree in Information Management, Computer Science, or a related field

• 5+ years of experience in AI, digital transformation, or information management

• Proven leadership experience in cross-functional or technical teams

• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 tools (Power Automate, Power Apps, SharePoint, Copilot)

• Strong understanding of data governance and enterprise architecture

• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills

Mō mātou | About us

The Kuratini Tuwhera is Aotearoa New Zealand's leading distance and online learning provider. We specialise in taking the learning to our students, focusing on enabling the success of approximately 30,000 students each year. We're a place where you can make a difference.

We offer a wide range of learning disciplines from Real Estate to Social Work, Construction and Education. From our Academic Staff Members to our Student Journey Centre, we ensure our students are at the heart of everything we do, every step of the way.

Ngā hua o tō tomo mai ki a mātou | Why you should join our team

We offer our people free education when undertaking Open Polytechnic courses (50% off for whanau), free car parking on campus, flexible working options (including some working from home), subsidised school holiday programmes for your children, free fitness classes, and an on-site café.

We are proud of our kaimahi and value every contribution from all our people.

Tono mai | Apply now

Applications must be submitted online via our career's website. Contact [email protected] with any questions about the role. Applications close 11pm 7 September 2025.

Noho ora mai. Tēnā koe.