Director Data And Insights

Description
Location: Wellington
Reporting to: General Manager Engagement, Data and Innovation
Type: Fixed term (24 months), Full time
Salary: $197,466 - $245,735
Applications close: 21 November 2025
DIA has come through a significant period of change, and we are seeking a highly experienced and values-driven leader.
About the Role
We are looking for a visionary and collaborative leader to evolve a centralised data and insights function within the Regulatory and Identity Services (RIS) branch.
As Director Data and Insights, you will play a critical role in shaping how data is used to inform decision-making, improve service delivery, and drive innovation across both regulatory and identity systems.
Regulatory and Identity Services manages a broad portfolio of regulatory systems and operational services.
The branch delivers future-focused digital identity products and services, ensuring a customer-centric approach to the processing and production of identity and life event products, including passports, citizenship, births, deaths, and marriages.
It also has accountability for several regulatory systems, including charities, gambling, anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), digital child exploitation, digital violent extremism and digital messaging and systems.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a high-performing team that delivers trusted, high-quality insights to support strategic and operational priorities.
Key Responsibilities
Support the General Manager Engagement Data and Innovation in setting the vision and direction for data and insights across the branch.
Lead a centralised data function that supports RIS systems and processes promoting best practice data governance and management practices.
Contribute to strategic planning and champion the use of data and insights to strengthen decision-making across the branch.
Collaborate with senior leaders to ensure consistent, insight-driven service delivery and promote a customer centred approach to service design delivery.
Lead the development of strategic data analysis programmes and ensure insights are accessible and actionable.
Lead a flexible, responsive team culture that adapts to shifting priorities and opportunities.
Build trusted relationships with RIS Leadership Team members to champion data-informed decision-making.
Collaborate with other data and analytics functions across the department to promote a culture of data, analysis and insights.
What you will bring
We are looking for an experienced and inspiring leader who has:
Proven experience leading high-performing data and insights teams in large or complex organisations.
Experience managing technical specialists and building organisational data capability.
Strong understanding of advanced data collection, analytics tools, and techniques.
Knowledge of public sector data requirements, codes, and governance.
Strategic and systems thinking with the ability to consider long-term implications.
Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.
Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for non-technical audiences.
Tertiary qualification in Statistics, Data Science, Information Systems, or equivalent experience.
Ability to obtain and maintain an appropriate security clearance.
Ready to make a difference?
The Department is an equal opportunity employer who values diversity and inclusion.
It recognises a diverse workforce that contributes to better business outcomes.
It is committed to creating a workplace where all employees have equal access.
Join us in shaping the future of regulatory and identity services.
Apply now with your CV and a cover letter outlining your leadership experience.
Job description
To review the full job description, please click here.
If you are unable to follow the link, please review the full job description on our careers website.
#J-18808-Ljbffr