Lead, Data Analytics

About the Company

The Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation manage the New Zealand Super Fund, a global investment fund that invests government contributions to help meet the future cost of universal superannuation.

The Guardians also oversee the Elevate Fund, backing small, fast-growing New Zealand companies.

This is complex, innovative and intellectually stimulating work, carried out by a team with a deep sense of purpose: sustainable investment delivering strong returns for all New Zealanders.

The New Zealand Super Fund has been named the world's best-performing sovereign wealth fund over the past 20 years by Global SWF, a reflection of the calibre of its people and its long-term performance.

The role:

Reporting to the Head of Data Analytics, you will play a key role in leading the Data Analytics team, the Investment Group's centre of excellence in advanced analytics, quantitative modelling and AI. The team builds scalable, production-ready models and tools that improve investment decision-making, and promotes best practice across the organisation to reduce risk and create value.

This is a collaborative leadership role. You will set priorities, allocate work and lead large-scale analytics projects from concept through to final reporting, while acting as a technical lead and trusted adviser to teams across Investments and the wider organisation.

You will work closely with IT, Data Technology and Data Services, and support citizen developers, report builders and data consumers to build capability across the Guardians.

What you’ll do:

• Lead, coach and develop the Data Analytics team to meet the needs of the business
• Lead the development of new quantitative and AI models and tools for strategic investment priorities
• Prioritise and allocate work across the team, balancing user needs, strategic objectives, value and resourcing
• Lead and manage analytics projects and algorithm design, from methodology through to delivery, documentation and ongoing support, setting development standards and best practice
• Provide strategic advice to Investments teams on using data and technology to strengthen investment capability, improve efficiency and reduce operational risk, translating technical analysis into clear advice for staff and leadership
• Lead cross-functional projects to solve complex problems, working with IT, Data Technology and Data Services
• Educate and support citizen developers, data explorers, report builders and report consumers

What you bring:

• Demonstrated people management and leadership capability
• 7+ years' experience applying advanced quantitative techniques in a discipline such as statistics, data science or financial engineering, ideally in finance, investment banking or asset management
• A proven track record of delivering statistical, econometric or advanced analytical models, including AI, into production
• Strong commercial acumen, critical thinking and negotiation skills
• Expertise across a range of data analysis, coding and development tools, with sound knowledge of data collection, validation and coding practices
• The ability to solve difficult and non-routine problems with insight and creativity, including where there is no clear precedent
• Strong relationship management skills and a focus on leading projects effectively in a team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including explaining technical solutions to non-technical audiences and non-technical needs to technical audiences
• A collegial, constructive approach, with the ability to build internal and external relationships
• Knowledge of investment concepts, portfolio construction and investment execution is an advantage but not essential

On offer:

• A dynamic, exciting workplace with a team united by a common purpose: sustainable investment delivering strong returns for all New Zealanders
• A competitive remuneration package including base salary, a discretionary bonus programme and up to 8% KiwiSaver matching
• World-class professional development, career pathways and job rotation opportunities
• A comprehensive leave and benefits programme, including a strong parental leave package and insurance cover
• A flexible and accessible work environment that reflects the Guardians' commitment to equity and inclusion

What next?

To keep things easy, please apply online. You are also welcome to reach out to Claire Gibson, Partner, Technology, Transformation & Change at Convergence Partners, at [email protected].

All applications will be reviewed and we will be in touch via email and/or phone.