Data & Information Governance Lead

Data & Information Governance Lead Help shape how information powers better decisions, better services and better outcomes for our communities.

At Waikato District Council, we're on a journey to become a more connected, digitally enabled and future-focused organisation. As our district continues to grow, so does the importance of having trusted information, strong governance, and smart digital ways of working.

We're looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Data & Information Governance Lead to help lead this transformation.

This is a unique opportunity to influence how information is managed across the organisation, making it easier for people to find, use, share and trust the information they need every day.

If you're passionate about information governance, digital transformation, improving user experiences and driving meaningful change, we'd love to hear from you.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Head of Digital Optimisation, you'll play a critical enterprise leadership role, helping move information management beyond a traditional compliance function into a modern, digital-first capability that supports operational excellence, transparency, informed decision-making and better customer outcomes.

What will I do?

You'll work across the organisation to:

• Develop and lead our enterprise information governance strategy and roadmap.
• Improve how staff create, access, store, share and manage information.
• Build governance frameworks that are practical, scalable and easy to use.
• Lead improvements in information architecture, metadata, taxonomy and discoverability.
• Embed information, privacy and records management requirements into business processes and digital platforms.
• Partner with leaders to strengthen information practices and drive cultural change.
• Support major digital transformation, shared services and future organisational initiatives.
• Create an environment where trusted information enables better decisions and better services for our communities.

What will I bring?

You are a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of information governance and a genuine passion for making things simpler, smarter and more effective.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience in information governance, records management, knowledge management, information architecture, digital content management or a related field.
• Experience successfully leading information governance or information management improvements within a complex organisation.
• A demonstrated ability to influence, engage and build strong relationships across business and technical teams.
• Experience leading organisational change and improving user adoption of new ways of working.
• Knowledge of modern digital workplace platforms, information management systems and governance frameworks.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex concepts into practical solutions.
• A collaborative leadership style and a focus on delivering outcomes through people.

Experience within local government, the public sector, or other highly regulated environments will be highly regarded.

Why join our tream? Ready to help us create a more connected future?

At Waikato District Council, you'll be part of a team committed to making a positive difference for our communities.

In this role you'll have the opportunity to:

• Influence organisation-wide strategy and capability.
• Lead meaningful and visible change.
• Help shape the future of information governance across Council.
• Work alongside talented and passionate colleagues.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Support an organisation that values inclusion, wellbeing, learning and growth.

If you're excited about improving how information supports people, services and decision-making, and you're ready to make a lasting impact across a large and diverse organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help shape the future of information governance at Waikato District Council.

Additional Information

Salary circa $95K dependent on skills and experience.

Waikato District Council offers a range of benefits to employees:

• Enjoy free parking.
• Make work, work for you with flexible working options.
• Benefit from annual performance and remuneration reviews.
• Access subsidised health insurance.
• Celebrate with a day of birthday leave.
• Receive a work–life balance day every six months after your first year.
• Access confidential support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Take advantage of our employee wellbeing programme.
• Receive free health checks, training and education at our annual Work Safe Home Safe event.
• Save with Boost discounts and special offers from New Zealand retailers and service providers.

Please note we will be screening applications as they come through.

We have a strong safety culture and as part of this our preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment medical assessment which includes alcohol and drug testing.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.