Senior Advisor - Data Management

Stats NZ; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 84,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

37.5 hours work week

Sick leave 15 days

End-year days off

Active social club

Job summary

Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa is seeking a data governance professional to strengthen enterprise governance and improve data management across the organisation. Based in Wellington or Christchurch, you will work with data stewards and governance groups to support the governance framework and drive practical improvements.

You will prepare governance papers and guidance, coordinate cross-team actions, and translate stakeholder feedback into actionable solutions while promoting inclusive practices

Qualifications

• Experience working in data and information management, data governance or a related field.
• Strong understanding of the data lifecycle and data management best practice.
• Experience supporting governance forums and progressing complex issues through governance processes.
• Excellent written communication skills, including preparing governance papers, standards, guidance and recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Provide assurance and coordination support for enterprise data governance.
• Prepare governance papers, briefings, standards and guidance materials.
• Support the Data Working Group and related governance forums.
• Coordinate actions, issues and decisions across teams.
• Consult with stakeholders and translate feedback into practical solutions.
• Support consistent implementation of data management practices across Stats NZ.
• Provide advice on best-practice data management and governance approaches.

Skills

Data governance

Stakeholder management

Governance papers

Communication

Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge

Data lifecycle understanding

Coordinate complex programmes

Diversity and inclusion

Job description

The role | Te tūnga

This permanent role sits within the Data and Information Management unit and specialises in Data Management, with a particular focus on data governance assurance and coordination. Based in either Wellington or Christchurch, you will play a key role in helping Stats NZ strengthen enterprise data governance and mature data management practices across the organisation.

You’ll Work Closely With Data Stewards, Governance Groups, And Stakeholders Across Stats NZ To Support The Effective Operation Of The Data Governance Framework And Improve Data Management Practices. This Includes

• Providing assurance and coordination support for enterprise data governance
• Preparing governance papers, briefings, standards and guidance materials
• Supporting the Data Working Group and related governance forums
• Coordinating actions, issues and decisions across teams
• Consulting with stakeholders and translating feedback into practical solutions
• Supporting the consistent implementation of data management practices across Stats NZ
• Providing advice on best-practice data management and governance approaches

What you bring | Nōu te rourou

• Experience working in data and information management, data governance, information governance or a related field
• A strong understanding of the data lifecycle and data management best practice
• Experience supporting governance forums and progressing complex issues through governance processes
• Excellent written communication skills, including preparing governance papers, standards, guidance and recommendations
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence without direct authority
• Experience coordinating complex work programmes and maintaining momentum across multiple stakeholders
• The ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Examples of how you've demonstrated, encouraged or supported diversity and inclusion in or outside of work
• Knowledge and experience of, or a willingness to build capability in, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and te reo Māori.

We recognise that valuable skills can come from both paid and unpaid work. You might have gained experience in education, hospitality, technology, public service, the marae, or the arts. You might have experience from community involvement, volunteering, or whānau responsibilities. We welcome and value all forms of transferable skills. Please bring your full unique self to your application.

For all our roles, we’re looking for people who:

• Act with integrity, take responsibility, and do what’s right even when it’s hard.
• Understand the ‘why’ behind their work and focus on delivering real value.
• Stay curious and open to learning, seeing challenges as chances to grow.
• Build respectful and inclusive relationships, grounded in care for others.
• Work collaboratively across boundaries and contribute to collective outcomes.

We don’t expect you to know everything. What matters is your genuine interest, commitment, and readiness to grow with us. Tell us about yourself in your cover letter, what attracted you to this role, and what you would bring to Stats NZ.

About Us | Ko mātou

Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa is the National Statistics Office, leading the way in data and insights. While this is our focus, it’s our people who are central to everything we do. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, recognising that our work is strengthened by the people behind it.

The data and insights we produce help shape decisions across government, communities, and businesses, and plays an important role in telling the story of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our mahi supports informed decision making at both national and local levels, helping improve outcomes for people, the economy, and the environment.

We’re proud of the role we play in guiding and strengthening the data system, with a goal of delivering high quality data with equitable access for all.

Curious about what it's really like to work here?

Before applying, we encourage you to watch our Life at Stats NZ video. It offers a glimpse into who we are, what we value, and the diverse perspectives and experiences that make Stats NZ a great place to work.

What’s in it for you? | Ngā hua ka riro ki a koe

Take a look at our Stats NZ careers site to learn more about our organisational values: He pēwhea ā tātou tikanga mahi | The way we work.

Some Key Benefits Include

• 37.5 hours work week.
• 15 days sick leave allowance (to be used for yourself or people under your care).
• 3 extra days off (taken during end-of-year office closure).
• An active social club in each office.

Starting salary for this position: $84,027.00 - $98,855.00 + kiwisaver