Senior Data and Automation Analyst

Nelson City Council; Nelson; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing leave

Fully subsidised health insurance

Flexible workplace

Job summary

Nelson City Council is seeking a Senior Data and Automation Analyst to lead the design and delivery of modern data platforms, integrations and automation solutions that drive smarter decisions for the city. You will oversee governance, security and performance while shaping a scalable, future‑focused data strategy.

In collaboration with stakeholders, vendors and partners, you will mentor colleagues and guide projects from concept to deployment, delivering resilient, enterprise‑grade solutions

Qualifications

• Senior experience in data engineering and enterprise integration.
• Proven ability to lead complex, enterprise-scale data and automation projects.
• Advanced knowledge of SQL, data warehousing, ETL/ELT development, and data governance.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain scalable enterprise data platforms using Azure and on-premises databases.
• Lead development of data integration and automation using ETL/ELT pipelines and Power Platform.
• Provide technical leadership, governance, and lifecycle practices across data quality, security and performance.
• Administer and optimise SQL Server, Azure SQL, MySQL.
• Establish monitoring, backup, disaster-recovery and incident handling.
• Lead complex projects, mentor staff, contribute to roadmaps and standards.
• Support privacy, cybersecurity and audit requirements.

Skills

Data engineering

Enterprise integration

SQL & data modeling

Leadership

Governance & security

Education

IT/cs/data engineering degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft SQL Server

Azure SQL

MySQL

ETL/ELT

Power Platform

Azure Data Factory

Azure Logic Apps

Azure Functions

Power BI

Power Apps

Power Automate

Data Lakes/Warehouses

Job description

Help shape Nelson’s future. Lead with expertise. Make a difference. We’re looking for an experienced senior data and automation analyst to provide technical leadership and build secure, reliable enterprise solutions.

Shaping our future | Kōmiria te anamata

Our vision for Whakatū Nelson is a creative, prosperous and innovative city. Our community is inclusive, resilient, and connected – we care for each other and our environment.

Nelson City Council is undertaking one of the most significant local government transformations in New Zealand. Through Shaping Our Future, we’re organising ourselves around the people and communities we serve, getting clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the years ahead. That includes customer experience, data and digital, asset planning, economic development, and contract and programme delivery, to name just a few. We’re also working more closely with iwi, neighbouring councils and other partners to deliver better outcomes for Whakatū Nelson. Our new structure is in place, and we’re now recruiting for the roles that will bring it to life.

This isn’t a one-off change. It’s the foundation for a council that keeps improving, and we’d love you to help build it.

About Nelson City Council | E pā ana ki te Kaunihera o Whakatū

We are Wakatū Nelson, a city where creativity, prosperity, and innovation thrive. Our vision is to foster a community that is inclusive, resilient, and deeply connected. Here we prioritize caring for one another and our city, building a vibrant and supportive place for everyone.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

Help shape how data and technology support better outcomes for our community. As our Senior Data and Automation Analyst, you'll lead the design and delivery of modern data platforms, integrations and automation solutions that drive smarter decision-making across Council. Working at the intersection of strategy and technology, you'll create secure, scalable and future-focused solutions that make a real impact for Whakatū Nelson.

In this role, you’ll:

• Design and maintain scalable enterprise data platforms using Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Fabric, enterprise databases, data warehouses and data lakes.
• Lead the development of data integration and automation solutions using ETL and ELT pipelines, integration technologies and Microsoft Power Platform.
• Provide technical leadership and governance across data quality, security, performance, architecture and solution lifecycle practices.
• Administer and optimise enterprise databases, including Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL services and MySQL.
• Establish resilient monitoring, alerting, error-handling, backup and disaster-recovery practices.
• Lead complex technical projects, mentor colleagues and contribute to technology roadmaps, standards, policies and procedures.
• Promote effective data governance, quality and stewardship while supporting privacy, information management, cybersecurity and audit requirements

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You’ll be an experienced data and automation professional with advanced technical expertise, sound judgement and a proven ability to lead complex enterprise solutions. You can work effectively across Council, collaborating with business stakeholders, vendors and external partners while keeping both strategic outcomes and technical detail in view.

You’ll bring:

• Senior experience in data engineering, database administration, enterprise integration, analytics platforms or related technical roles.
• A relevant tertiary degree in information technology, computer science, data engineering, information systems or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL services and MySQL, including administration, security, performance tuning, query optimisation, backup and recovery.
• Expert-level SQL skills and knowledge of data warehousing, data modelling, ETL and ELT development, data lakes, API integrations, metadata and data lineage.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Azure Data Services, Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Factory, Azure Logic Apps, Azure Functions, Power BI, Power Apps and Power Automate.
• Proven experience delivering enterprise-scale data and automation solutions and supporting cloud-based data platforms.
• Knowledge of data warehousing, data modelling, ETL and ELT development, data lake architectures, API integrations, data migration, master data management, metadata and lineage management.
• Experience managing complex integrations across multiple business applications.
• Demonstrated success leading technical projects and mentoring technical staff.
• ITIL Foundation, database administration or relevant Microsoft certifications would be an advantage.

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

• Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives
• A fully subsidised health insurance scheme
• A flexible workplace ... [Note: full list omitted for brevity]

At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

Midnight Wednesday 18 November 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they come in, so we encourage you to apply early as the role may close ahead of the advertised date.

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

Please email enquires to Sarina Barron (Acting CIO) - [e-mail]