Welcome to Heretaunga, the area renowned for its rich and fertile landscape that is sustained by its life-giving dews and waterways. Welcome to Heretaunga, whose beauty is observed by the sharp eye of the harrier hawk; a landscape rich in history and with an esteemed legacy of caring and providing for its inhabitants.
Taitara Mahi – Digital Innovation Lead
Permanent Full-Time
Lead Digital Change. Shape Community Outcomes. This senior role offers the opportunity to influence strategy, champion emerging technologies, and design innovative solutions that improve services for our people — today and tomorrow.
Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, you’ll act as a catalyst for technological change across the organisation. You’ll scan the digital landscape, lead proofs of concept, and ensure successful integration of new solutions. Working collaboratively with business units, transformation teams, and external partners, you’ll turn business challenges into secure, scalable, and future-proof digital solutions.
Key responsibilities:
- Identify, assess, and recommend emerging digital technologies that add value to Council and community
- Lead feasibility studies, pilots, and proofs of concept to validate innovation opportunities
- Provide solution architecture oversight to ensure interoperability, scalability, and security
- Collaborate across business and IT teams to deliver and scale new digital solutions
- Advise the Leadership Team and Elected Members on digital strategy and investment priorities
Foster a culture of innovation and experimentation across Council
Ōu wheako – about you
You’re a curious and strategic thinker with a strong track record of driving digital innovation. You bring deep technical expertise, strong stakeholder skills, and the ability to influence at senior levels.
Essential skills & experience:
- Degree in IT, Computer Science, Digital Innovation, or related field
- Strong knowledge of emerging technologies (AI, IoT, cloud, automation, analytics)
- Proven ability to translate business challenges into innovative digital solutions
- Demonstrated experience leading transformation or innovation projects in complex organisations
- Expertise in solution architecture, data governance, and information security standards
- Exceptional communication and leadership skills, able to engage both technical and non-technical audiences
Desirable:
- Postgraduate qualifications or industry certifications (e.g., TOGAF, Agile, PRINCE2)
- Experience in local government or public sector innovation
- Familiarity with smart city technologies and digital government initiatives
Situated in the heart of Ngāti Kahungunu, the Hastings district and Hawke’s Bay offer an enjoyable environment in which to live, work and play.
