Lead Data Scientist: Integrated Data Modules

Statistics New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

37.5 hours work week

Sick leave entitlement 15 days

3 extra days off

Annual flu vaccines

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Health benefits

Study assistance

Social club

KiwiSaver

Job summary

Statistics New Zealand in Wellington seeks a Principal Data Scientist to lead the Code Modules Initiative, shaping data integration, analytics, and code module stewardship across platforms. You will drive automation, QA, and transition to future analytical environments, while mentoring teams and influencing technical standards.

You will help build capability across Stats NZ, deliver trusted, reusable data assets for national statistics and policy work, and promote collaboration across agencies.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Operations Research, or a related field. Postgraduate qualifications are highly regarded.
• Extensive senior experience in data science, statistical analysis, advanced analytics, machine learning, or research leadership within complex environments.
• Demonstrated experience creating reusable, well-documented code and analytical assets, ideally within integrated data environments such as the IDI or LBD.
• Strong database analytics and statistical programming skills, particularly SQL and R.
• Strong judgement navigating complex technical problems where established approaches may not exist.
• Experience influencing technical standards, design approaches, and quality practices across teams or organisations.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop the capability of others.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with technical experts, researchers, policy stakeholders, and partner agencies.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance to public service, plus commitment to te ao Māori, tikanga, te reo Māori.
• Knowledge of Databricks or cloud-based analytics environments would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, stewardship and evolution of code modules.
• Apply advanced judgement to data integration, analytics, QA, and platform transition.
• Mentor colleagues and establish sustainable stewardship across the module library.
• Influence tooling standards, technical direction and reusable asset development.
• Foster collaboration and capability building across Stats NZ and partner agencies.

Skills

Data science leadership

Advanced analytics

Machine learning

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring

Education

Tertiary qualification in Data Science (statistics, maths, CS or OR)

Tools

SQL

R

Databricks

Job description

Statistics New Zealand in Wellington seeks a Principal Data Scientist to lead the Code Modules Initiative, shaping data integration, analytics, and code module stewardship across platforms. You will drive automation, QA, and transition to future analytical environments, while mentoring teams and influencing technical standards.

You will help build capability across Stats NZ, deliver trusted, reusable data assets for national statistics and policy work, and promote collaboration across agencies.