Data Modeller

New Zealand Government; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 138,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) in Wellington is seeking a Data Modeller to build a shared understanding of information underpinning services and decisions. You will work with business experts, architects and analysts to discover, define and document key concepts, relationships, lifecycles and rules.

You will contribute to MSD's Enterprise Data Model and support consistent information management, data discovery, modelling data structures, metadata and lineage to improve access and

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in information management, information systems, computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, mathematics, or a related field.
• Experience developing and documenting conceptual, logical, and physical data models.
• Experience creating relationship diagrams and information maps to communicate structures to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to engage with business stakeholders to understand processes and translate into data models.
• Experience facilitating workshops to develop shared understanding of business information and processes.
• Knowledge of data governance, master data, reference data, and authoritative sources.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual and logical data models as part of MSD's Enterprise Data Model.
• Discover, model, document definitions, metadata, and lineage to improve how information is organized and used.
• Collaborate with Architects, Analysts and business experts to translate requirements into data structures.

Skills

Data modelling

SQL

Stakeholder collaboration

Information governance

Relational modelling

Analytical thinking

Education

Tertiary qualification in information management or related field

Tools

Data modelling tools

Metadata management tools

Job description

Wellington based24 months fixed term/secondment opportunity

Help shape MSD's Enterprise Data Model and create a shared understanding of the information that powers our services. We're looking for someone who is curious about how the business works, enjoys uncovering meaning in complex environments, and can translate conversations, definitions, relationships, and business knowledge into clear information models that support better services, better decisions and better outcomes for New Zealanders. If you want to influence how MSD understands, manages, and uses its information to support better outcomes for New Zealanders, we'd love to hear from you.

About our team | Mō te tīma

MSD - services for the future is a multi-year programme to transform how we operate so we can deliver for New Zealanders and focus our resources and investment on the people who need it. The programme will make significant changes to our underlying systems, processes, and introduce redesigned services that put people first. The Information, Data, and Analytics team is leading an ambitious work programme to uplift our data and information capabilities to support the Transformation initiatives, while also establishing enterprise level standards for BAU. MSD operates within a highly complex data environment, and our focus is on creating trusted foundations that allow data to be managed deliberately and consistently over time. This includes developing the architectural standards, strengthening stewardship and governance, embedding a standardised data quality framework, and establishing master data management practices.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

As a Data Modeller, you will help MSD build a shared understanding of the information that underpins our services, decisions, and operations. Working closely with business experts, Architects, Analysts and other stakeholders, you will discover, define, and document key business concepts, relationships, lifecycles, and business rules. You will use this understanding to develop conceptual and logical models that form part of MSD's Enterprise Data Model and support consistent information management across the organisation. You will contribute to the development of MSD's Enterprise Data Platform by carrying out data discovery, modelling data structures, documenting definitions, metadata, and lineage, and identifying opportunities to improve how information is organised and used. Your work will help make information easier to access, understand, and use, supporting both current and future business needs.

what you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga

You are an experienced data professional who enjoys translating complex business requirements into practical and sustainable data solutions. You have strong analytical skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in information management, information systems, computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, mathematics, or a related field.
• Experience developing and documenting conceptual, logical, and physical data models.
• Experience creating relationship diagrams, information maps, and other artefacts that communicate business information structures to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to engage with business stakeholders to understand business processes, information needs, and requirements, and translate these into data models.
• Experience facilitating workshops and engaging subject matter experts to develop a shared understanding of business information and processes.
• Experience documenting metadata, business definitions, business rules, and data lineage.
• Knowledge of conceptual, logical, relational, and analytical modelling approaches, and an understanding of when each is appropriate.
• An understanding of data governance, master data, reference data, and authoritative data sources.
• Experience working with enterprise data platforms and data modelling tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify practical solutions.
• Solid SQL skills and an understanding of database design principles.
• The ability to work collaboratively across business and technical teams.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts in a clear and simple way.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to influence and build trust with stakeholders at all levels.
• An interest in continuous improvement and finding better ways to manage and use information.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $138,125.00 - $171,889.00

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 20th September, 2026.

About us | Mō mātou

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We're in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent. We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities. As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations. Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.

Joining us | Ko te hono mai

Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here. If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.