Head of Data, Analytics & AI at Watercare · Auckland

Head of Data, Analytics & AI Location: Central Auckland He kōrero mō mātou | About Watercare Ki te ora te wai, ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata When the water is healthy, the land and the people are healthy Now is an exciting time to join Watercare, we're planning to spend $14 billion over the next 10 years to ensure we can continue to support our growing city in a climate-resilient way. When you average that out, that's an investment of $3.8 million every day! He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role We are seeking an experienced Head of Data, Analytics & AI to establish and lead Watercare’s enterprise data, analytics and AI capability. Reporting to the Chief Digital Officer, this senior leadership role is accountable for treating data and asset information as strategic organisational assets - enabling better decision-making, operational performance, asset stewardship and innovation. This role provides strategic leadership across data strategy, analytics, AI, Building Information Management (BIM) and Digital Twin capability. You will set the enterprise direction, governance and operating model for how data is managed, trusted and used, while ensuring advanced analytics and AI are adopted in a pragmatic, ethical and value-driven way aligned to Watercare’s infrastructure and service outcomes. Ngā kawenga matua | Key responsibilities • Define and maintain Watercare’s enterprise data, analytics, AI and Digital Twin strategy aligned to organisational priorities and asset lifecycle needs • Establish and embed enterprise data and asset information governance, including policies for data quality, standards, classification, lineage, retention and ethical use • Lead the development of enterprise analytics, insight and asset intelligence capability to support operational, capital planning and executive decision‑making • Provide leadership on responsible adoption of advanced analytics, AI and Digital Twins, ensuring initiatives are secure, governed and deliver measurable value • Oversee development of Digital Twin capability, integrating BIM, operational, spatial and sensor data to improve performance, resilience and risk management • Ensure data platforms, BIM tools and analytics solutions align with enterprise architecture and are scalable, interoperable and sustainable • Partner with delivery teams to prioritise data and analytics initiatives and ensure incremental, outcomes‑focused delivery • Act as a trusted advisor to executives on data‑driven decision‑making and analytics maturity • Build and lead high‑performing data, analytics and AI teams, uplifting capability and data literacy across the organisation Ngā pūkenga e rapu nei mātou | About you You are a credible and pragmatic data leader with experience operating in complex, asset‑intensive environments. You balance strategic thinking with delivery focus and can translate complex data, analytics and AI concepts into clear, business‑relevant value. You will bring: • Senior leadership experience in data, analytics or information management • Strong understanding of data governance, analytics and insight delivery at enterprise scale • Experience translating business and operational challenges into data‑driven solutions • The ability to influence executives and governance forums with confidence and clarity • A pragmatic approach that balances innovation, value, risk and ethical considerations • Experience with BIM, Digital Twins or asset intelligence in infrastructure or regulated environments (desirable) • Exposure to engineering, spatial or asset lifecycle data in large organisations (desirable) Ngā hua mōu | What's in it for you We offer a competitive salary and staff benefits package including: •    Training and development opportunities •    Life and income protection insurance plans •    Generous parental leave •    Employee discounts at a range of large retailers Me pēhea te tono mai | How to Apply Come and join our team! If you are looking for an exciting career opportunity with a fantastic team then please apply online today - careers.watercare.co.nz.