Data Platform Lead

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University of Waikato seeks a Data Platform Lead to steer the enterprise data platform (Databricks), delivering trusted reporting, scalable analytics and safe AI readiness. You will own a multi-year Modern Data Platform roadmap, enforce architectural and governance standards, and oversee migration from on-premises data warehouse while supporting data for the student lifecycle, research and operations. The role requires 7 to 10 years in data leadership, strong cloud data expertise, stakeholder influence, and a disciplined risk mindset. To apply, submit via the online portal with requisition number 1003442 by 12 March 2026; show alignment with the Digital Plan, governance, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi plus Mātauranga Māori, with concrete examples of leading data platform programs.

The University of Waikato has a bold new Digital Plan that sets our direction through to 2029 under the vision "Digital connects us and moves us forward." The Plan establishes clear priorities across data, cloud platforms, software delivery, enterprise architecture, and emerging technologies including AI, that will ensure the University can teach, research and operate successfully.

To deliver on our ambitions, we are investing in our people and growing our leadership team within Information Technology Services. This is an exciting role that will lead the strategic direction of our enterprise data platform to enable trusted insight, scalable analytics and safe AI capability.

• Lead the University's enterprise data platform and shape our analytics and AI-ready data foundations
• Own a multi-year roadmap to implement our Modern Data Platform and govern data standards across a complex, multi-stakeholder environment
• Collaborative team culture with a genuine focus on impactful, meaningful work that provides valued data insights for informed decision-making.

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

The University of Waikato’s digital vision is simple: Digital connects us and moves us forward. As part of Corporate Services, Information Technology Services (ITS) leads the University’s digital direction and ensures we operate in a secure, resilient and future-ready environment.

We are seeking a Data Platform Lead to own the strategic direction, governance and delivery of our enterprise data platform (Databricks). This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring the platform delivers trusted reporting, analytics and insight at scale, while establishing strong foundations for safe and responsible AI.

You will define and maintain a multi-year roadmap aligned to the University’s Digital Plan, enforce standards, and oversee the structured migration from our legacy on-premises data warehouse. You will govern the enterprise reporting and insight layer, supporting unified data capability across the full student lifecycle, research performance and operational decision-making.

This is a full-time role 37.5 hours, based on our Hillcrest Campus.

For more information on the role please see the position description. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted. 

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You are an experienced data platform leader who has successfully owned or governed enterprise-scale data, analytics or insight platforms in complex environments.

You will bring:

• A relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent industry experience
• At least 7–10 years’ experience in data, analytics or platform leadership roles
• Demonstrated experience setting and enforcing architectural and governance standards
• Strong expertise in modern cloud data platforms 
• Experience leading migration from legacy data environments
• The ability to engage credibly with senior leaders and translate strategy into sequenced delivery
• Strong governance, risk and AI data exposure awareness
• A commitment to equal opportunity and to the University’s partnership with Māori as intended by the Treaty of Waitangi, including awareness of Māori and Pacific cultures

You are structured, pragmatic and disciplined, comfortable making firm decisions aligned to standards and risk appetite. You balance long-term platform integrity with immediate institutional needs and engage stakeholders in a collaborative, inclusive and professional manner.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we? 

The University of Waikato's Information Technology Services (ITS) division leads digital direction, manages and protects the digital ecosystem, and delivers services that ensure the University can teach, research, and operate successfully in a secure, resilient, and future-ready environment.

We are at an exciting point in our journey. Our new Digital Plan identifies the modernisation of our data platform as a priority initiative. This role sits at the centre of that ambition.

At the University of Waikato, you will join a forward-looking organisation committed to innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on safe, responsible and future-ready digital practice.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success!  This is a rare opportunity to lead an enterprise data platform in a complex organisation, with a clear mandate and executive support. You will have genuine influence over how data underpins decision making, analytics, and AI adoption across teaching, research, and operations.

Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here. 

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all. 

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on 12th March 2026

Requisition number: 1003442