Head of Data, Digital & Information Services

Nelson City Council; Nelson; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing leave

Fully subsidised health insurance

Hybrid working arrangements

Generous leave provisions

Learning & professional development

Employee benefits & discounts

Projects shaping community wellbeing

Access to mountains, beaches & parks

Job summary

Nelson City Council is seeking a senior leader to shape the data, digital and information services future for Whakatū Nelson. You will report to the Executive Director Corporate Services and set strategic direction across technology, data and information environments to enable better decisions and outcomes for the community.

You will lead governance, privacy, cyber security, and enterprise architecture while growing a multidisciplinary team and partnering with external technology providers to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in IT or related discipline or equivalent professional background.
• Senior leadership experience in digital technology, data management or information services.
• Experience delivering enterprise digital/data strategies enabling business transformation.
• Proven success leading large-scale digital transformation and customer-focused delivery.
• Strong people leadership and inclusive, collaborative culture.
• Experience embedding cyber security and governance risk management into strategy.

Responsibilities

• Shape digital, data and information strategy aligned with Council priorities.
• Lead digital transformation, modern ways of working and capability building.
• Create a trusted data environment with governance and privacy controls.
• Oversee digital architectures and platforms for integrated services.
• Prioritise investment balancing value, risk and affordability.
• Lead performance and delivery of Data, Digital & Information Services.
• Build organisation-wide data/tech capability and continuous improvement.
• Strengthen security, risk management and delivery assurance.
• Lead partnerships with technology providers and other agencies.
• Grow a multidisciplinary team in an inclusive environment.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Data & information services

Digital transformation

Governance & risk management

Privacy & cyber security

Enterprise architecture

GIS

Artificial intelligence

Budgeting & investment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT or related field

Tools

GIS

Job description

Help shape Nelson’s future. Lead with expertise. Make a difference.

We're looking for a strategic, people-centred leader to shape Council’s data and digital future.

Shaping our future | Kōmiria te anamata

Our vision for Whakatū Nelson is a creative, prosperous and innovative city. Our community is inclusive, resilient, and connected - we care for each other and our environment.

Nelson City Council is undertaking one of the most significant local government transformations in New Zealand. Through Shaping Our Future, we're organising ourselves around the people and communities we serve, getting clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the years ahead. That includes customer experience, data and digital, asset planning, economic development, and contract and programme delivery, to name just a few. We're also working more closely with iwi, neighbouring councils and other partners to deliver better outcomes for Whakatū Nelson. Our new structure is in place, and we're now recruiting for the roles that will bring it to life.

This isn't a one-off change. It's the foundation for a council that keeps improving, and we'd love you to help build it.

About Nelson City Council | E pā ana ki te Kaunihera o Whakatū

We are Wakatū Nelson, a city where creativity, prosperity, and innovation thrive. Our vision is to foster a community that is inclusive, resilient, and deeply connected. Here we prioritize caring for one another and our city, building a vibrant and supportive place for everyone.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

This is a rare opportunity to take on an influential senior leadership role at Nelson City Council, shaping how data, digital technology and information enable the organisation to deliver for Nelson now and into the future.

Reporting to the Executive Director Corporate Services, the Head of Data, Digital & Information Services, will lead the strategic direction for Council’s technology, data and information environment and lead the transformation of how we work and deliver services. You'll create a trusted, integrated and future-focused environment that enables better decisions, modern ways of working, stronger organisational capability and improved outcomes for our community.

You’ll provide leadership across a diverse portfolio spanning technology and support services, data and automation, geospatial services, information and records management, LGOIMA, and property and land information.

In This Role, You’ll

• Shape Council’s digital, data and information strategy, ensuring investment and capability are aligned with our strategic priorities, future operating model and the delivery of integrated, customer-centred services.
• Lead digital transformation, driving innovation, modern ways of working and organisational capability that improve effectiveness, customer outcomes and long-term resilience.
• Create a trusted data and information environment, leading governance and stewardship so information is secure, accessible, well managed and supports consistent, evidence-based decision-making.
• Provide strategic oversight of our digital architecture and platforms, supporting an integrated, scalable environment that reduces duplication and enables efficient end-to-end services.
• Shape and prioritise digital and data investment, balancing value, risk, affordability and timing to ensure resources are directed to where they can make the greatest contribution.
• Lead the performance and ongoing delivery of Data, Digital & Information Services, ensuring services are reliable, responsive and compliant and that operational priorities, risks, capability and resources are effectively balanced.
• Build organisation-wide capability, creating greater confidence in the use of data, information and technology and fostering continuous improvement and shared ownership.
• Strengthen security, risk and delivery assurance, including embedding privacy, cyber security and governance risk management into strategic direction, investment and practice.
• Lead strategic partnerships with technology providers, other agencies and sector counterparts to support Council outcomes.
• Lead and grow a multidisciplinary team, creating a collaborative, accountable and inclusive environment where people are empowered to perform, develop and succeed.

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You’ll be an accomplished senior leader who can operate strategically while maintaining a clear line of sight to delivery. You’ll bring credibility across digital technology, data and information services, alongside the leadership capability to influence across a complex organisation.

You’ll Bring

• A relevant bachelor's degree in IT, data science, business administration or a related discipline. Relevant professional certifications in digital leadership, data management or related disciplines would be an advantage.
• Significant senior leadership experience across digital technology, data management, information services or a related field within a complex organisation.
• Proven experience developing and delivering enterprise-wide digital, data and information strategies that support organisational objectives and enable business transformation.
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale digital transformation, including adoption of modern technology, process improvement and customer-centred service delivery.
• Strong people leadership experience, including leading multidisciplinary teams, developing talent, driving performance and creating inclusive, collaborative cultures.
• Experience embedding cyber security and governance risk management into digital strategy, technology investment and organisational practice.
• Knowledge of digital transformation and data management practices, together with an understanding of current technology trends, GIS, artificial intelligence and enterprise architecture.
• The ability to manage budgets and prioritise investment effectively, bringing sound judgement to decisions about value, risk and organisational priorities.

Just as importantly, you'll be a leader who can connect people to purpose, communicate with influence, build trusted relationships and navigate change with clarity and confidence. You'll bring an all-of-Council perspective and understand the responsibility that comes with making decisions about public resources and community outcomes.

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

• Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives
• A fully subsidised health insurance scheme
• A flexible workplace including hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance
• Generous leave provisions
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• Access to various employee benefits and discounts
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that shape our community's wellbeing and future
• Mountains, beaches and national parks at your doorstep

At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

Midnight Sunday 15 November 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they come in, so we encourage you to apply early as the role may close ahead of the advertised date.

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

Please email enquires to Morgana Hodliffe (People & Capability Business Partner) [e-mail].