Manager Enterprise Data - Data Strategy And Operational Products

CGR Services; Wellington; On-site; NZD 143,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) in Wellington seeks a Manager Enterprise Data to lead how data is governed, stored, and used across the organisation. This fixed-term role focuses on delivering enterprise-wide data capabilities and aligning initiatives with transformation goals.

You will manage delivery leads, data architects, and analysts to ensure solutions meet enterprise standards while prioritising strategic data initiatives and collaboration with Strategy, Transformation, and

Qualifications

• Significant experience in enterprise data management, including data architecture, data platforms, data engineering, data governance, and data quality.
• Proven experience leading high-performing teams and delivering complex programmes of work, ideally within large organisations and the public sector.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, develop, and support teams while building capability and fostering a positive and inclusive team culture.
• Experience leading change and transformation initiatives, with the ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments, manage competing priorities, and deliver results within agreed timeframes and budgets.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to provide clear, balanced advice on complex issues and support sound decision-making.
• Experience analysing business, market, and public sector data to identify insights, opportunities, and risks.
• The ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to a wide range of audiences, including both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, with a collaborative approach and a focus on delivering value for customers and the organisation.
• An understanding of policy development and implementation processes, including knowledge of the wider public sector environment and factors that influence successful delivery.
• Sound judgement, political awareness, business acumen, and the ability to navigate ambiguity while maintaining a focus on outcomes.
• A commitment to diversity, inclusion, and creating an environment where people feel valued, respected, and able to contribute.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of delivery leads, technology leads, data architects, and business analysts to ensure data solutions meet enterprise standards.
• Set direction for how data is managed, governed, and used across MSD, aligning with transformation goals.
• Prioritise data initiatives across the Information, Data and Analytics portfolio and ensure successful delivery.
• Collaborate with Strategy and Insights, Transformation, and Technology to design enterprise data capabilities.
• Support better decision-making and reduce duplication of effort by strengthening data foundations.
• Provide clear leadership and governance to enable trusted data sharing across the organisation.

Skills

Enterprise data management

Leadership

Data architecture

Data governance

Data quality

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Public sector experience

Policy understanding

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Manager Enterprise Data - Data Strategy and Operational Products

New Zealand Government•Wellington - Wairarapa, Wellington, NZ

Wellington based * 24 month fixed term / Secondment opportunity This is an opportunity to lead enterprise-wide data capability and play a key role in shaping how MSD uses data to support its people, services, and future direction.

About our team

Mō te tīma MSD – services for the future is a multi-year programme to transform how we operate so we can deliver for New Zealanders and focus our resources and investment on the people who need it. The programme will make significant changes to our underlying systems, processes, and introduce redesigned services that put people first. The Information, Data, and Analytics team is leading an ambitious work programme to uplift our data and information capabilities to support the Transformation initiatives, while also establishing Enterprise level standards for BAU. MSD operates within a highly complex data environment, and our focus is on creating trusted foundations that allow data to be managed deliberately and consistently over time. This includes developing the architectural standards, strengthening stewardship and governance, embedding a standardised data quality framework, and establishing master data management practices.

About the role

As the Manager Enterprise Data, you will lead a team responsible for setting the direction for how data is managed, governed, and used across MSD. Working closely with teams across Strategy and Insights, Transformation, and Technology, your team will lead and contribute to the strategy and design that strengthens MSD's broader data capabilities. You will lead a team of delivery leads, technology leads, data architects, and business analysts to ensure data solutions are well designed, meet enterprise standards, and can be successfully delivered. You will also play a key role in prioritising data initiatives across the Information, Data and Analytics portfolio, ensuring they align with MSD's transformation goals and wider organisational priorities. This is a strategic leadership role with a strong focus on collaboration, planning, and delivering long-term value. By providing clear direction and strengthening MSD's data and information capabilities, you will help improve the way data is shared and used across the organisation, support better decision-making, and reduce duplication of effort. To be successful in this role, you will bring strong leadership experience and a proven ability to deliver enterprise-wide data outcomes in large and complex organisations. You will have a relevant tertiary qualification or significant experience in a related field, along with the ability to work across strategy, delivery, and organisational priorities.

What you bring

• Significant experience in enterprise data management, including data architecture, data platforms, data engineering, data governance, and data quality.


• Proven experience leading high-performing teams and delivering complex programmes of work, ideally within large organisations and the public sector.


• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, develop, and support teams while building capability and fostering a positive and inclusive team culture.


• Experience leading change and transformation initiatives, with the ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments, manage competing priorities, and deliver results within agreed timeframes and budgets.


• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to provide clear, balanced advice on complex issues and support sound decision-making.


• Experience analysing business, market, and public sector data to identify insights, opportunities, and risks.


• The ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to a wide range of audiences, including both technical and non-technical stakeholders.


• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, with a collaborative approach and a focus on delivering value for customers and the organisation.


• An understanding of policy development and implementation processes, including knowledge of the wider public sector environment and factors that influence successful delivery.


• Sound judgement, political awareness, business acumen, and the ability to navigate ambiguity while maintaining a focus on outcomes.


• A commitment to diversity, inclusion, and creating an environment where people feel valued, respected, and able to contribute.

Position Description

He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga Manager Enterprise Data Position Description

Salary

Utu-ā-tau : $142,874.00 - $177,798.00

Applications close

Ka kati ngā tono hei te : Wednesday 2nd September, 2026.

About us

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We're in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent. We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities. As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations. Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.

Joining us

Ko te hono mai Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here. If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.