IS Manager

Whanganui District Council; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Whanganui District Council is seeking an experienced ICT leader to manage the Information Services function and drive practical, fit-for-purpose digital solutions across the organisation.

As IS Manager, you will lead the Information Services team, oversee applications, information and records management, digitisation, and business improvements, ensuring systems are reliable, well governed and aligned with Council priorities.

Qualifications

• Experience managing enterprise applications, improvement programmes, projects and system lifecycles with oversight and decision-making ability.
• Proven experience leading an Information Services, Applications, Business Systems or similar function.
• Strong people leadership skills including coaching, performance management and capability development.
• Sound understanding of information management, records management and data integrity practices.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and ability to build strong working relationships across an organisation.
• Ability to translate business needs into practical and sustainable digital solutions.
• Experience in local government and knowledge of the legislative and political environment would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership of the Information Services team.
• Oversee application portfolios, information management, records management, digitisation and business improvement initiatives.
• Translate business needs into practical technology solutions and ensure reliable, well-governed systems.
• Lead information governance and records management practices.
• Collaborate with managers, stakeholders, vendors and ICT colleagues to deliver excellent service outcomes.

Skills

Enterprise apps

People leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Information governance

Digital solutions

Project lifecycle

Vendor management

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and people-focused ICT leader to manage Council's Information Services function and play a key role in delivering practical, fit-for-purpose digital solutions for the organisation.

As our IS Manager, you will provide day-to-day leadership of the Information Services team, overseeing enterprise applications, information management, records management, digitisation, business improvement initiatives, and digital solutions. You'll work closely with managers, stakeholders, vendors and ICT colleagues to ensure systems are reliable, well governed and aligned with Council priorities.

This is a leadership role that combines operational management with continuous improvement. You'll oversee application portfolios and project delivery, translate business needs into practical technology solutions, lead information governance and records management practices, and ensure the team delivers excellent service outcomes for the organisation.

To be successful in this role, you'll be someone who has:

• Experience managing enterprise applications, improvement programmes, projects and system lifecycles, with the technical understanding to provide effective oversight and decision-making.
• Proven experience leading an Information Services, Applications, Business Systems or similar function
• Strong people leadership skills, including coaching, performance management and capability development
• A sound understanding of information management, records management and data integrity practices
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build strong working relationships across an organisation
• The ability to translate business needs into practical and sustainable digital solutions

Experience in local government and knowledge of the legislative and political environment in which councils operate would be an advantage.

Most importantly, you will be a collaborative and pragmatic leader who enjoys solving problems, enabling others to succeed, and delivering technology and information services that support great outcomes for our community.

About Whanganui District

A welcoming and warm city, Whanganui has been growing in population and businesses in recent years with the buzz of new families and represents an incredible lifestyle location, close to New Zealand's best outdoor experiences in bush, cycle trails, river and skiing.

Whanganui combines rich heritage with modern innovation, centred around our stunning awa. This growing city offers an exceptional lifestyle with excellent schools, easy access to major centres, and a flourishing arts and cultural scene. Whanganui is Aotearoa New Zealand's UNESCO City of Design and has the range of arts and culture one would expect of a modern New Zealand city.

You’ll be instrumental in shaping how Council delivers information, digital services and business improvement while enjoying the rewards of life in our distinctive district. You will have a direct impact on the effectiveness of Council services and the experience of both staff and customers.

Applications close 08 October 2026