Data & Innovation Manager | Fixed Term

Salary: Competitive salary + 5 weeks annual leave

Kia mahi ngātahi mō Pōneke mō tōna āpōpō | Working together for Wellington's future.

What if you could help shape how a capital city uses data, AI and emerging technology to solve real problems and improve the way it works?

Wellington City Council is looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Data & Innovation Manager on a fixed-term basis to lead our Data & Innovation group and drive the strategic direction and delivery of data, AI, innovation and emerging technology across Council

This is much more than a technical data role. You’ll set the strategic direction for data, innovation and emerging technology across Council, working with leaders and teams right across the organisation to identify opportunities, build capability and turn new ideas into practical outcomes.

A key focus for this role will be scaling and embedding AI across Council responsibly. Working across data products, governance, geospatial services and innovation, you'll help build the foundations, capability and partnerships needed to move from individual use cases to organisation-wide impact.

You’ll work closely with ELT and senior leaders across Council, while building partnerships with universities, industry, other councils and smart city networks. You’ll connect people, ideas and technology to tackle real challenges facing our city, including exploring how AI can support emergency management.

You'll lead four multidisciplinary teams spanning data products and insights, data and information governance, corporate GIS and spatial services, and innovation and emerging technology. Together, these teams play a critical role in helping Council use data, AI and emerging technologies safely and effectively to improve decision-making, service delivery and city outcomes.

Ko wai tātou | The role

• Set and drive Council’s strategic direction for data, AI, innovation and emerging technology.

• Identify opportunities to use data and technology to improve services, decision-making and outcomes for Wellington.

• Lead Council's AI enablement programme, working with leaders and team across the organisation to identify high-value opportunities, establish the necessary governance and foundations, and scale successful solutions across the organisation.

• Lead the development and delivery of Council’s innovation programme, moving promising ideas from exploration through to implementation and scale.

• Build strong relationships across the Wellington ecosystem, including universities, industry, government, other councils, smart city networks and technology communities.

• Lead and grow four multidisciplinary teams spanning data products and insights, data and information governance, corporate GIS and spatial services, and innovation and emerging technology.

• Provide strategic oversight of Council's data, information governance and geospatial capabilities, ensuring the trusted foundations needed for innovation, AI adoption and evidence-based decision-making.

• Champion the use of data and insights to support better decisions across Council.

• Represent Wellington in relevant national and international conversations, partnerships and forums.

Ko wai koe | About you

We’re looking for a strategic and curious leader who can see what’s possible, bring people with them and turn ideas into action.

You’ll bring:

• Experience leading data, innovation, digital or technology programmes in a complex organisation.

• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to connect emerging trends and technologies with real organisational or community outcomes.

• A proven ability to influence and engage senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.

• Experience building partnerships and working across organisational boundaries.

• A track record of leading people and creating high-performing, collaborative teams.

• The confidence to explore new ideas and lead through ambiguity, while understanding the importance of governance, risk and responsible implementation.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to make complex ideas accessible to different audiences.

• An understanding of data, analytics, geospatial and/or smart city environments.

You don’t need to be the deepest technical expert in the room. What matters most is your ability to provide strategic leadership, connect people and ideas, understand the opportunities presented by emerging technology and turn those opportunities into meaningful outcomes.

Experience working in local government, central government or another complex, multi-disciplinary environment would be an advantage.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Working for the Council offers you a range of benefits including 5 weeks annual leave, flexible working options, health and wellbeing support, Council staff discounts and a range of learning and development programmes and opportunities. View our Employee Value Proposition Video to see what our employees say about working at WCC.

Applications close 9 September 2026. Please note that we may engage with applicants prior to the vacancy closing and/or close applications ahead of this date, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

All applications must be submitted online and must have the right to work in New Zealand – we will not accept emailed applications.

Pre-employment Checks: All employees must undergo a Criminal Conviction Check prior to employment.

Diversity:

We want your application to enable you to portray the real you. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the advert through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.

We welcome applications from all people and like our workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve.

Accessibility Support:

We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have, are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support, we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: recruitment@wcc.govt.nz