Data & AI Engineering Lead

Why You’d Like It
Here is a rare chance to step into a high-impact leadership role at a large enterprise, right in the heart of Auckland CBD. You will be taking the reins of a modernised data function, driving AI-enabled automation and reshaping how a major household brand handles its real-time analytics. If you love a 50/50 mix of people leadership and staying close to modern tech like Microsoft Fabric and generative AI tooling, this is where you want to be.

The Story
Our client is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the financial services space by accelerating their modern cloud architecture and AI capability. With the outgoing lead moving on, there is an urgent need for a sharp, commercially-minded leader to hit the ground running. You will be stepping in to guide a talented team, drive real-time integration projects, and embed AI-first engineering practices into everyday workflows.

Company Profile
This organisation is a pillar of the New Zealand market, dedicated to helping locals protect what matters most. Unlike massive offshore corporates with rigid templates, this business is large enough to offer enterprise scale while remaining agile enough for you to genuinely influence strategy. They are heavy investors in innovation, building top-tier digital ecosystems and fostering an inclusive, forward-thinking workplace.

Your Role
As the Data and AI Engineering Lead, you will bridge the gap between business strategy and technical execution, heading up a talented team while setting the architectural direction for modern data platforms. You will mentor your team, champion AI tooling across pipelines, and partner with tech leaders to deliver scalable, secure solutions.

• Lead, coach, and grow a team across data, platform engineering, and testing.
• Own and execute the Data & AI engineering roadmap, guiding the shift to target-state cloud architecture.
• Design data patterns using Microsoft Fabric, Lakehouse medallion architecture, and real-time streaming with Apache Kafka and Confluent Cloud.
• Embed AI-assisted engineering practices like GitHub Copilot across the domain to boost delivery speed and automation.
• Partner with senior stakeholders and tech vendors to turn complex commercial goals into clean engineering solutions.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with strong benefits package, including comprehensive health and life insurance cover.
• Genuine flexible working with three days in the Auckland CBD office, and flexible working hours.
• A supportive, down-to-earth team culture focused on innovation and continuous learning.

Your Fit
You are an established engineering leader who manages technical teams without losing your hands-on edge. You know cloud data architecture inside out, particularly Microsoft Fabric, Azure, Lakehouse designs, and event-driven architectures using Apache Kafka or Confluent Cloud. You leverage modern AI tools to boost pipeline productivity, manage risk effectively, and communicate complex concepts clearly to business leaders.

Reach out or apply today for more info!