Chief Knowledge Officer

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 255,000 - 319,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness benefits

KiwiSaver

Job summary

MBIE seeks a Chief Knowledge Officer to unite data, information and analytical assets into a single strategic function. You will lead the Data, Knowledge and Analysis branch, partnering across government, academia, industry and Māori to strengthen evidence and insights for public policy.

Reporting to the Deputy Secretary, you will drive the Empowered by Data roadmap, cultivate governance and knowledge management maturity, and shape a knowledge-led organisation that informs better decisions and

Qualifications

• Executive leadership across enterprise data, analytics, information and knowledge management.
• Experience leading large multidisciplinary functions with enterprise data, knowledge and insights.
• Ability to develop and implement enterprise data strategies to improve decision making.
• Strategic thinker connecting priorities to capability needs and trends.
• Strong influencing and cross‑boundaries communication with senior leaders.
• Interest in AI/automation with responsible, ethical application.
• Relevant tertiary qualification or extensive senior management experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert strategic advice to Senior Leadership and deliver the Empowered by Data roadmap.
• Establish MBIE as a knowledge-led organisation with governed data assets.
• Build a mature enterprise knowledge management framework and regulatory compliance.
• Drive capability across data, analytics and knowledge management; foster evidence‑informed decisions.
• Build strategic partnerships and position MBIE as a leader in knowledge stewardship and governance.

Skills

Executive leadership

Enterprise data & analytics

Governance frameworks

Knowledge management

Strategic planning

AI & automation insights

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

Discover a career with purpose at MBIEDiscover a career with purpose at MBIE*; Lead MBIE's enterprise data, knowledge, analytics and economic insight capability*; Join the Corporate and Digital Shared Services Leadership Team and shape how MBIE uses its knowledge assets*; Champion the responsible use of AI, automation and advanced analytics across the public sector*; Permanent Full time | Wellington*; Salary Range [$255,498 - $319,373] TFR (Incl KiwiSaver) and wellness benefitsTenei turanga - About the Role:As Chief Knowledge Officer, you will hold enterprise-wide accountability for maximising the strategic value of MBIE's information, data and analytical assets. You will bring data strategy, architecture, platforms, governance, knowledge management, analytics and economic insight together into a single function, turning information into trusted knowledge and actionable insight that supports better decisions and better outcomes for New Zealand.Reporting to the Deputy Secretary Corporate and Digital Shared Services, you will lead the Data, Knowledge and Analysis branch, part of the Corporate and Digital Shared Services (CDSS) group. You will work collaboratively across government, academia, industry and with Maori to strengthen system-wide knowledge, evidence and analytical capability. In this role you will:*; Provide expert strategic advice to MBIE's Senior Leadership Team and lead delivery of the Empowered by Data strategic roadmap*; Establish MBIE as a knowledge-led organisation, ensuring information, data and insight are governed, integrated and leveraged as strategic assets*; Build a mature enterprise knowledge management framework that strengthens institutional memory, organisational learning and regulatory compliance*; Drive capability and maturity across data, analytics and knowledge management, and foster a culture of evidence-informed decision-making*; Build strategic partnerships and position MBIE as a recognised public sector leader in knowledge stewardship and data governanceNga pukenga me nga wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience RequiredYou will bring:Executive leadership experience across enterprise data, analytics, evaluation, information and knowledge management, with a strong understanding of best practice, governance frameworks and emerging trendsProven experience leading large, multidisciplinary functions within complex organisations, with accountability for enterprise-wide data, knowledge, intelligence and insights capabilitiesDemonstrated success developing and implementing enterprise strategies that leverage data, information and organisational knowledge to improve decision-making, performance, innovation and public valueA strategic, systems-oriented thinker who connects government priorities, economic and societal trends and organisational objectives to identify opportunities, risks and future capability needsStrong influencing and communication skills, with the ability to lead across organisational boundaries and engage senior leadersPassion for innovation and emerging technologies, including AI, automation and advanced analytics, with the judgement to apply them responsibly and ethicallyTertiary qualification, or extensive and comparable senior management experience in the public and private sectorEtahi korero mo MBIE - About MBIE:MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.Mahi Tahi - Better TogetherMaia - Bold and bravePae Kahurangi - Build our FuturePono Me Te Tika - Own ItOur aspirations are echoed in our Maori identity - Hikina Whakatutuki - which broadly means `lifting to make successful'.MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Maori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Maori, other Maori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Maori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Maori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.E mohio ana a Hikina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kotuinga I waenganui i a ngai Maori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a, kei te whai ia ki te whakau ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ma te whai kiko o nga kotuinga ahungaroa o ngai wi, o ngai Maori, me etahi atu ropu Maori ki te Karauna, katutuki tenei. He ahuatanga nui tenei e ahei ai nga mahi whanaketanga a-ohanga, a-papori hoki ki a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui. E whai tonu ana matou ki te kotui atu ki nga iwi mo te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i nga kaupapakua roa nei e tami ana i a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui, a, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i nga aheinga kokiritanga ma nga iwi, me te tautoko i nga iwi kia whai mana ake ai enei aheinga.Me pehea te tono - How to Apply:Click here to view a position description..This recruitment is managed exclusively by Rothley.Please contact [e-mail] for a copy of the candidate pack or call Kirsty Brown on 021 660 757 for a confidential conversation.Please apply with an up-to-date CV and cover letter.Applications close at 5pm on 28 October 2026