Head of Digital Optimisation

Join our team; Waikato; On-site; NZD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Flexible working options

Annual performance and remuneration RO

Subsidised health insurance

Birthday leave

Wellbeing programme

Work-life balance day every six months

Job summary

Waikato District Council is seeking a Head of Digital Optimisation to provide strategic leadership across our digital, technology and information functions, shaping a digitally enabled and community‑focused organisation.

You’ll influence organisation‑wide strategy, governance, and investment decisions, lead a high‑performing team, foster innovation, and build strong partnerships to deliver secure, reliable services for communities.

Qualifications

• Experience leading digital, technology or transformation functions in a complex environment.
• Ability to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strategic thinker with ability to turn ideas into action.
• Strong governance and commercial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive our digital strategy and roadmap.
• Lead technology, information and data governance across the organisation.
• Champion digital transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Foster innovation and identify new opportunities to enhance service delivery.
• Guide technology investments and strategic decision-making.
• Build strong partnerships across the organisation and wider sector.
• Lead and develop a talented team of digital professionals.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Digital transformation

Governance expertise

People development

Commercial acumen

Risk management

Team leadership

Job description

The opportunity

As Head of Digital Optimisation, you’ll provide strategic leadership across our digital, technology and information functions. You’ll help shape our digital future while ensuring we continue to deliver secure, reliable and customer-focused services.

What will I do?

• Develop and drive our digital strategy and roadmap
• Lead technology, information and data governance across the organisation
• Champion digital transformation and continuous improvement initiatives
• Foster innovation and identify new opportunities to enhance service delivery
• Guide technology investments and strategic decision-making
• Build strong partnerships across the organisation and wider sector
• Lead and develop a talented team of digital professionals

Most importantly, you’ll help create a digitally enabled organisation that is connected, responsive and ready for the future.

What will I bring?

We’re looking for an authentic and collaborative leader who can bring people together around a shared vision.

You’ll be someone who:

• Thinks strategically but enjoys turning ideas into action
• Builds trusted relationships and works effectively across diverse stakeholder groups
• Has experience leading digital, technology or transformation functions in a complex environment
• Understands how technology, data and people combine to create great outcomes
• Brings sound commercial and governance expertise
• Is passionate about developing others and building high-performing teams
• Embraces innovation while balancing risk, practicality and long-term value

You don’t need to come from local government, but you’ll be excited by the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that plays such an important role in the lives of its communities.

Why join our team?

At Waikato District Council, you’ll find more than just a great career opportunity.

You’ll join a team of dedicated people who care deeply about the work they do and the communities they serve. We value collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement, and we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people feel supported, empowered and able to thrive.

In return, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Make a genuine impact on the future of our district
• Influence organisation-wide strategy and transformation
• Lead meaningful and visible change
• Work with passionate, capable colleagues
• Develop your career in a values-driven organisation
• Enjoy flexibility and a positive, supportive culture

Additional Information

Salary circa $185K dependent on skills and experience.

Waikato District Council offers a range of benefits to employees:

• Enjoy free parking.
• Make work, work for you with flexible working options.
• Benefit from annual performance and remuneration reviews.
• Access subsidised health insurance.
• Celebrate with a day of birthday leave.
• Receive a work-life balance day every six months after your first year.
• Access confidential support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Take advantage of our employee wellbeing programme.
• Receive free health checks, training and education at our annual Work Safe Home Safe event.
• Save with Boost discounts and special offers from New Zealand retailers and service providers.

Please note we will be screening applications as they come through.

We have a strong safety culture and as part of this our preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment medical assessment which includes alcohol and drug testing.

Applicants must be legally entitles to work in New Zealand.

Reference # 39762

Posted on 13 Oct 2026

Closes on 27 Oct 2026 00:00

Location(s) Ngaaruawaahia

Expertise Engineering & Technical, Project Management