Principal Adviser - Data Management

• Lead practical data management improvements that strengthen trust in Department data
• Shape data governance processes, standards and guidance across a complex environment
• Fixed term opportunity through June 2027, based at our National Office in Wellington

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We are looking for a Principal Adviser - Data Management to help strengthen the way we manage, govern and use data as a trusted asset. This role sits within the Information Management team in Infrastructure and Digital Assets and will play a key part in lifting the Department's data management foundations across a large and complex public sector environment.

You will provide advisory leadership across data governance processes including standards, guidance and supporting a capability uplift. Working across business, reporting, digital and architecture teams, you will translate strategic expectations into practical approaches that can be adopted in day-to-day delivery. This includes helping clarify data ownership, decision rights, quality expectations, metadata needs, controls and ways of working that support more consistent, reliable and well-governed data practices.

A key part of the role will be partnering and collaborating with other parts of the business. Together, these relationships will help ensure that architecture direction, data management standards and other obligations are connected, practical and sustainable.

This is a great opportunity for someone who can bring people together, provide clear advice on complex issues and build confidence across both technical and non-technical audiences.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You will bring significant experience in data management, data governance, or related senior advisory work in a large and complex environment. You will be confident operating across business and technical contexts, and able to:

• Lead, develop and improve data governance frameworks, policies, standards and guidance ensuring it is practical, clear and able to be adopted by teams.
• Collaborate with the Enterprise Architect - Data and Information so that architecture designs and patterns, platform direction, are joined up with data management practice.
• Influence product groups and operational teams to create alignment and momentum for sustainable change.
• Communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences and provide trusted advice on data management issues and requests.

Ngā painga | The benefits

The midpoint of the salary range is $146,562 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $124,578 - $175,875 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and addressing the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency - applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the Department, highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications close on: Sunday 27th September 2026

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact [email protected] , or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.