Technical Lead

Absolute IT; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Absolute IT in Christchurch, New Zealand, is seeking a Technical Lead to drive delivery of a large-scale data processing platform. You will stay hands-on with architecture, development, and implementation while guiding a cross-functional team.

This role collaborates with Solution Architects, Data Platform squads, vendors and stakeholders to ensure delivery excellence, governance and security, while mentoring engineers and promoting DevOps culture.

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading DevOps or engineering teams.
• Experience with Databricks and cloud data platforms.
• Designing and implementing ETL/ELT data pipelines.
• Strong communication with stakeholders.
• Experience with data warehousing technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of a large-scale data processing platform
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and direction to delivery teams
• Support solution design, architecture, and implementation activities
• Collaborate with business stakeholders, vendors, and project teams
• Contribute hands-on to development and technical delivery when required
• Ensure solutions meet quality, security, operational, and governance standards
• Identify, manage, and mitigate technical risks, dependencies, and issues
• Mentor and coach team members while promoting technical excellence and continuous improvement

Skills

Technical leadership

Stakeholder management

DevOps culture

Mentoring teams

Hands-on delivery

Tools

Databricks

Python

PySpark

SQL

Azure Synapse

Snowflake

Tableau

Power BI

Delta Lake

Unity Catalog

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

About the role

We're partnering with a large, complex organisation undertaking a significant data transformation programme and are seeking a Technical Lead to play a pivotal role in the delivery of a mission-critical data processing platform.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the technical delivery of a large-scale data solution while remaining hands‑on with architecture, development, and implementation activities.

As Technical Lead, you will provide technical leadership across the delivery of a complex data processing platform, working closely with Solution Architects, Data Platform teams, vendors, and key stakeholders.

You will be responsible for guiding technical decision-making, ensuring delivery excellence, and fostering a high-performing DevOps culture. While leading the technical workstream, you will also be comfortable rolling up your sleeves and contributing directly to development and implementation activities where required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of a large-scale data processing platform
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and direction to delivery teams
• Support solution design, architecture, and implementation activities
• Collaborate with business stakeholders, vendors, and project teams
• Contribute hands‑on to development and technical delivery when required
• Ensure solutions meet quality, security, operational, and governance standards
• Identify, manage, and mitigate technical risks, dependencies, and issues
• Mentor and coach team members while promoting technical excellence and continuous improvement

About You

You are a proven technical leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery. You bring strong stakeholder engagement skills, a collaborative approach, and a passion for building scalable, high-quality data solutions. We are looking for experience in:

• Leading multidisciplinary DevOps or engineering teams
• Coaching, mentoring, and developing technical teams
• Databricks and modern cloud-based data platforms, including:
  • Delta Lake
  • Databricks Notebooks
  • Unity Catalog
  • Pipeline orchestration
  • SQL
  • Python and PySpark
• Designing and implementing ETL/ELT data pipelines
• Building data models aligned to Medallion Architecture principles
• Optimising Spark workloads, Databricks workflows, and cluster performance
• Modern data warehousing technologies such as:
  • Azure SQL Database
  • Azure Synapse Analytics
  • Snowflake
  • Amazon Redshift
  • Google BigQuery
• Business intelligence and reporting tools including Tableau and Power BI
• Agile delivery environments and cross‑functional team collaboration
• Producing and maintaining high-quality technical documentation

What You'll Bring

• Strong technical leadership and decision‑making capability
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• A pragmatic, solutions‑focused mindset
• The ability to navigate complexity and drive delivery outcomes
• A commitment to continuous improvement, technical quality, and team development