Principal Advisor Data

Tertiary Education Commission; Wellington; On-site; NZD 125,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational government agency in Wellington is looking for a Principal Advisor Data to lead data governance and quality across multiple platforms. You will mentor technical teams and drive continuous improvement of data processes. The ideal candidate has strong expertise in data governance and modern data tools. This permanent role offers competitive salary and benefits including flexible working options.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Wellness programme

Purchase extra leave

Additional TEC Days leave

Reduced health insurance premiums

Qualifications

• Proven experience in data governance, BI reporting, and data quality frameworks.
• Strong understanding of modern data platforms and tools.
• Experience in coaching and mentoring technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead data governance, data quality, and standards across multiple platforms.
• Develop and maintain data governance policies and guidelines.
• Provide thought leadership and mentoring across the data teams.

Skills

Data governance

BI reporting

Data quality frameworks

Stakeholder engagement

Coaching and mentoring

Innovation

Tools

SQL

Power BI

Cloud services

Job description

Overview

At the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) we invest over $3 billion annually to support lifelong learning and vocational success across the country. As part of this transformation, we are building a smarter, more connected data ecosystem and we are looking for a Principal Advisor to help us get there.

As Principal Advisor Data, you will work to drive excellence in data governance, quality, and reporting. You will be a mentor and guide to technical teams, champion best practices, and ensure our data is trusted, scalable, and impactful. This is your opportunity to influence how data shapes decisions, policy, and outcomes for learners, communities, and employers across Aotearoa.

This is a permanent role which is strictly based in our offices in Wellington.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager Data & Digital Development, the Principal Advisor Data provides leadership across TEC’s data practice, supporting Data Warehouse Developers, Data Analysts, and BI Developers to deliver high-quality outcomes. This role focuses on mentoring, coaching, and driving continuous improvement of data processes and standards, while acting as a bridge between business stakeholders, IT, and data engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead data governance, data quality, and standards across multiple platforms and workstreams. Facilitating governance forums and working groups and managing data sharing agreements
• Develop and maintain data governance policies and guidelines for data collection, storage, processing and access.
• Providing thought leadership and mentoring across the data teams.

What we are looking for

We’re looking for a proactive data leader with strong technical expertise and a passion for mentoring and continuous improvement. You will be a trusted advisor who can translate complex data concepts into clear insights and foster collaboration across teams.

• Proven experience in data governance, BI reporting, and data quality frameworks.
• Strong understanding of modern data platforms and tools (e.g., SQL, Power BI, cloud services).
• Experience in coaching and mentoring within technical teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to lead communities of practice and drive innovation.

What’s in it for you

• You’ll be supported by a motivated and experienced leader who values professional growth and will actively support your development in a senior capacity
• A focus on career development and internal opportunities
• A range of benefits including flexible working options, a wellness programme and the ability to purchase extra leave.
• Three additional (TEC Days) leave days
• Reduced premiums through our Health Insurance Group Scheme
• TEC supports flexible working arrangements and expects team members to be in the office at least three days per week to help collaboration.

The salary range for this position starts from $125,813 up to $148,015 + 3% KiwiSaver, depending on demonstrable skills and experience. Please note, if you believe you are a good match for the role, but your salary expectations are outside of this range, we would still welcome an application from you.