Chief Technology Officer

Absolute IT; Wellington; On-site; NZD 177,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Social Investment Agency in Wellington, NZ seeks a Chief Technology Officer to lead technology strategy, AI adoption, information governance and operations. You will mature the tech function to provide a secure, scalable, and sustainable environment, guiding delivery across platforms and services.

Successful candidates will combine strategic vision with practical implementation, influence executive stakeholders and manage ambiguity in a government setting.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success building or maturing technology functions in evolving environments.
• Strong understanding of modern technology ecosystems including Azure, Salesforce and Oracle platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Agency's technology strategy aligning with priorities and the Social Investment Fund.
• Lead creation of a secure, AI-enabled technology environment supporting performance and growth.
• Drive technology transformation initiatives balancing strategy with delivery.
• Establish mature governance, information management, cybersecurity, service management, and operations.
• Oversee delivery of platforms, infrastructure, and digital services for scalable outcomes.
• Lead vendor partnerships, procurement, and contract management.
• Build and develop a high-performing technology team and drive adoption of tech innovations.

Skills

Technology leadership

Azure Data Factory

Salesforce

Oracle

Governance

Cybersecurity

Vendor management

Tools

Azure Data Factory/Fabric

Salesforce

Oracle

Job description

About the Social Investment Agency

The Social Investment Agency (SIA) exists to improve outcomes for New Zealanders through the use of data, evidence, and innovative approaches to investment and service delivery. Working across government, communities, and service providers, SIA helps ensure resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact while supporting long-term social outcomes.

As the Agency continues to evolve and expand its capability, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced technology executive to play a key role in shaping its future.

About the Role

The Chief Technology Officer will lead the Agency's technology strategy, digital capability, AI adoption, information management, and technology operations.

This is a highly influential leadership role combining strategic direction with practical delivery. You will lead the continued maturation of the technology function, embedding the systems, governance, and capabilities required to support a modern, secure, and sustainable operating environment.

Success in this role will require strong stakeholder engagement skills, a passion for technology-enabled transformation, and the ability to lead confidently through ambiguity and change.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Agency's technology strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and the Social Investment Fund.


• Lead the creation of a modern, secure, digitally and AI-enabled technology environment that supports business performance and growth.


• Drive technology transformation initiatives, balancing strategic direction with practical delivery and execution.


• Establish and mature technology governance, information management, cybersecurity, service management, and operational capabilities.


• Oversee delivery of technology platforms, infrastructure, digital services, and key projects to ensure scalable and sustainable outcomes.


• Lead vendor partnerships, commercial negotiations, procurement activities, and contract management arrangements.


• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing technology team while fostering organisation-wide adoption of technology and innovation.

Skills & Experience Required

• Demonstrated success building, transforming, or maturing technology functions within evolving or low-maturity environments.


• Strong understanding of modern technology ecosystems, with technical knowledge of Azure Data Factory/Fabric, Salesforce and Oracle platforms preferred.


• Experience leading complex technology programmes and delivering measurable organisational outcomes.


• Strong commercial acumen, including technology procurement, vendor management, contract negotiation, and budget oversight.


• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and advise executive leaders, government stakeholders, and external partners.


• Strategic, adaptable, and resilient leadership style, with the ability to create clarity, drive progress, and thrive in environments with a high degree of ambiguity.

What's on Offer

• Executive leadership opportunity within a purpose-driven government agency.


• Significant influence over the future of technology, data, and AI capability.


• Opportunity to build and embed a sustainable technology function and lasting legacy.


• Fixed-term appointment through to December 2027.


• Wellington-based role.


• Salary range of $177,026 – $249,919, with appointments to be made between $177,026 and $208,266 depending on skills and experience.

Please note, we can only consider applicants that are legally entitled to work in New Zealand at the time of application.