Data Architect

Kaingaora; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks' annual leave

Insurance packages

Flexible working arrangements

Career development

Job summary

Kāinga Ora is seeking an experienced Architect – Data to provide strategic and technical leadership across Kāinga Ora's data landscape, defining enterprise data architecture and ensuring alignment with governance and long-term business objectives.

Joining the Architecture & Security team, you will enable trusted insights and data-driven decision-making by guiding scalable, secure data solutions that support enterprise-scale transformation across Digital IT.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in enterprise data architecture within large organisations.
• Deep expertise in data modelling, integration, platforms and lifecycle management.
• Strong understanding of governance, security and risk management practices.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead enterprise data architecture aligned with strategy and governance.
• Guide design of scalable, secure, well-governed data solutions.
• Influence architecture standards, principles, reference architectures and patterns.
• Engage stakeholders across technical and business teams to drive outcomes.

Skills

Enterprise data architecture

Data modelling

Data integration

Data platforms

Governance & security

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

• Shape the way data is managed, governed, and leveraged across Kāinga Ora
• Influence enterprise-wide technology and data outcomes
• Wellington-based permanent role, 5 week's annual leave + a suite of benefits

Kāinga Ora offers a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact at national scale while helping shape the future of one of New Zealand's most significant public sector transformation programmes. As we modernise our technology landscape and transform our core systems, we are investing in and maturing our Architecture & Security capability across Enterprise Architecture, Solution Architecture, Technology Risk, Cyber Security, and Architecture and Security Governance.

This is an opportunity to help build the standards, governance frameworks, security controls, architectural practices, and assurance disciplines that will guide technology decision‑making across the organisation for years to come. Working within a high‑profile transformation environment, you will influence strategic outcomes, tackle complex enterprise challenges, and help ensure that technology investments are secure, sustainable, cost‑effective, and aligned to business objectives.

For professionals who are motivated by purpose, enjoy operating at enterprise scale, and want to leave a lasting legacy through modern architecture, effective governance, and robust security practices, Kāinga Ora offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of both the organisation and the communities it serves.

We are seeking an experienced Architect – Data to provide strategic and technical leadership across Kāinga Ora's data landscape. This pivotal role will define and lead enterprise data architecture, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy, enterprise architecture principles, governance requirements, and long‑term business objectives.

As part of our Architecture & Security team, you will play a key role in enabling trusted insights, interoperability, and data‑driven decision‑making by guiding the design and implementation of scalable, secure, and well‑governed data solutions. This role operates within a unified Architecture & Security operating model, providing a unique opportunity to influence enterprise-wide technology and data outcomes. You will help deliver resilient, secure, and future‑focused solutions while contributing to a culture of consistent decision‑making, architectural excellence, and innovation across Digital IT.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu – What you will bring

If you're passionate about data architecture and want to make a meaningful impact through technology‑enabled decision‑making, we'd love to hear from you.

Here’s what you will bring to the role

• Significant experience in enterprise data architecture within large and complex organisations
• Deep expertise in data architecture disciplines, including data modelling, integration architecture, data platforms, storage technologies, and data lifecycle management
• Strong understanding of enterprise architecture frameworks, governance, security, and risk management practices
• Experience developing architecture standards, principles, reference architectures, and design patterns
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across technical and business teams
• A pragmatic approach to architecture, balancing strategic direction with delivery outcomes
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business outcomes

Nōu te rourou – What's in it for you

We offer competitive salaries, five weeks' annual leave and a benefits package including a range of insurances, flexible working arrangements and career development. These benefits are described in more detail here https://careers.kaingaora.govt.nz/a-great-place-to-work/benefits. As a Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities employee, we want to make sure that you have all the tools and support you need. We want to ensure you are healthy and have work-life balance. We also want to support and grow your personal and career development through on‑the‑job learning, training courses, secondments and study opportunities.

Mō mātou – Our Organisation

At Kāinga Ora, ours is the important responsibility of transforming New Zealand's housing choices, outcomes and the entire housing sector by creating homes and communities that allow New Zealanders to thrive. What is exciting about working for Kāinga Ora is getting the chance to make a real and positive impact on New Zealanders' lives. With skills, planning and purposeful action, our people are creating the homes and neighbourhoods that will build the future of Aotearoa. We are passionate about transforming New Zealand for the better. That includes being a trusted partner for Māori and iwi, protecting and enabling their rights, interests and aspirations under the guidance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Ō tātou uara – Our values

Our values were developed by us, for us. They unite us as an organisation and guide how we work every day. Our values are:

• Manaakitanga – People at the Heart
• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Whanake – Be Bold

Tūhono mai – Join us

Applications close on Monday 7th September at 11:55pm.

We value diversity and are committed to working with each other and our customers in an inclusive and respectful way. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and appreciate the richness of experience that your point of difference brings to the organisation.

If you don’t tick all the boxes in this listing but think that you could be a great fit based on your unique background and skillset, we would welcome an application from you. Don’t hesitate, as we may review applications as they are received and reserve the right to close advertising early.