Data Platform Lead

Digitalgarage; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 179,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Hybrid 2-3 days on-site

High-visibility project

Job summary

Digitalgarage seeks a Data Platform Lead to take hands-on ownership of the Databricks platform and drive strategy with no direct reports. This high-visibility contract targets a major public sector client in New Zealand, with 2-3 days on-site in Auckland or Wellington.

You are a senior Databricks expert who can tackle governance roadblocks, triage backlogs, and translate business needs into scalable technical solutions while partnering with stakeholders for rapid wins and long-term platform

Qualifications

• Senior platform specialist with hands-on Databricks experience.
• Strong focus on governance, backlog triage, and strategic delivery.
• Ability to translate technical concepts for client stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership and management of the core Databricks platform.
• Resolve access and governance bottlenecks to deliver quick wins.
• Work with public sector stakeholders to translate business needs into technical solutions.
• Triage and progress high-priority backlog items efficiently.
• Establish robust best practices for long-term platform stability.

Skills

Databricks expertise

Technical leadership

Stakeholder communication

Tools

Databricks

Governance tooling

Job description

High impact, strategic contract role taking on technical leadership over a major Databricks platform!

Why You’d Like It

Looking for a high-impact contract where you can sink your teeth into a modern Databricks environment? This is a cracking opportunity for a seasoned technical lead to step into a high-visibility role, sort out governance roadblocks, and drive real value directly with a major public sector client.

The Story

Driven by steady growth and rising demand for sophisticated data solutions, this practice is expanding its footprint across New Zealand. They are investing heavily in top-tier talent to help clients build modern, AI-ready data foundations. This initial 3-month contract is a critical positioning role designed to bridge the gap between complex transformation goals and practical, high-quality technical delivery while long-term capability is established.

Company Profile

Operating as an established trans-Tasman transformation partner, this organisation solves real-world challenges across cloud, data, AI, and business applications. Rather than pushing standard, off-the-shelf templates, they focus on tailoring tech solutions that unlock lasting value. The team culture is collaborative, down-to-earth, and pragmatic; putting genuine care into both client outcomes and their people.

Your Role

As a Data Platform Lead, you will take hands-on technical ownership of the Databricks platform and drive strategy without the overhead of managing direct reports. You will hit the ground running to tackle backlog priorities, resolve governance challenges, and build seamless client alignment.

• Take full ownership and management of the core Databricks platform.
• Resolve access and governance bottlenecks to deliver quick, meaningful wins.
• Work directly with key public sector stakeholders to translate business needs into technical solutions.
• Triage and progress high-priority backlog items efficiently.
• Establish robust best practices that set the platform up for long-term stability and success.

Benefits

• Competitive Rate: $130-$140 per hour + GST.
• Flexible Hybrid Setup: Enjoy a balanced schedule with 2-3 days on-site in either Auckland or Wellington.
• High Visibility: Lead from the front on an enterprise platform where your work makes an immediate impact.
• Great Team Culture: Work alongside a supportive, highly skilled trans-Tasman team.

Your Fit

You are a senior platform specialist with serious, hands-on Databricks expertise. You bring a pragmatic, solution-focused mindset and excel at translating technical concepts into clear conversations for client stakeholders. While people management isn't part of this gig, your strong technical leadership will naturally guide the platform forward. Exposure to Microsoft Fabric is a handy bonus, but your deep platform experience and confidence in navigating client environments are what will really set you up for success.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand. If you are not a NZ Citizen, you must have the right of permanent residence or a valid work visa.