- Lead NZTE’s digital, data, insights and AI transformation
- Shape the future of how NZTE serves exporters and delivers global impact
- Inspire, influence, and deliver excellence across a high‑performing, purpose‑driven organisation
This role can be based in Auckland or Wellington.
About us:
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is the government agency responsible for helping New Zealand companies grow internationally, for the good of NZ. NZTE partners with many of New Zealand’s most innovative exporters to help take their products, services and ideas to global markets. Digital, data and insights play a central role in enabling NZTE’s teams and strengthening the impact delivered for exporters
About the role:
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the General Manager Digital and Data is a pivotal executive role responsible for shaping and delivering NZTE’s AI, digital and data strategy. The position drives enterprise‑wide transformation across digital services, data and insights, and AI‑enabled capability, positioning NZTE to innovate nationally and globally, and at the vanguard of the public service.
A key priority is keeping NZTE sharply attuned to international trends, emerging technologies and global shifts in AI and digital, strengthening both exporter support and internal performance. The role leads a team of around 80 professionals and holds strategic accountability for a budget of approximately $23 million, ensuring investment delivers meaningful innovation, operational excellence and future‑ready digital capability across the organisation.
Key responsibilities:
- Deliver secure, reliable digital infrastructure and intuitive, high‑value tools for employees.
- Lead NZTE’s adoption of AI and data‑driven methodologies to improve customer experience and internal productivity, and organization wide transformation.
- Shape modern, effective digital channels for exporters and ensure alignment with organisational goals.
- Maintain robust data architecture and governance to generate high‑quality insights for decision‑making.
- Set a clear digital and data strategy, lead a high‑performing team, and oversee resources for maximum impact.
- Provide expert leadership across NZTE and Executive Lead Team (ELT), driving strategic direction, organisational alignment, and integrated change delivery.
What success looks like:
Success in this role means ensuring NZTE’s digital environment operates seamlessly, securely and at scale, while lifting the organisation’s data maturity. You will enable smarter, faster and more confident decision‑making by championing modern, intuitive tools that enhance employee performance and deliver stronger outcomes for exporters.
You will lead responsible, innovative AI adoption, staying ahead of national and global best practice to keep NZTE at the forefront of public‑sector innovation. Success also means delivering a financially sustainable, prioritised and efficient digital portfolio, working collaboratively across NZTE to break down silos and drive organisation‑wide alignment.
You will embed digital best practice and continuous improvement to strengthen both customer and employee experiences. Above all, you will maintain a secure, resilient and trusted digital environment while fostering a high‑performing, values‑aligned and cohesive team culture.
What you’ll bring:
As an executive leader, you will bring a clear, compelling digital and data vision aligned with NZTE’s purpose, translating complex concepts into strategies that deliver meaningful organisational impact. You will drive operational excellence through disciplined long‑term planning, confident and timely decision‑making, strong risk management and robust governance, ensuring secure, reliable and high‑quality digital and data services.
With deep expertise across digital, data, modern architectures, AI and emerging technologies, you will shape and execute transformative initiatives that position NZTE for the future. You will operate with strong self‑awareness and resilience in fast‑changing, high‑complexity environments, while your innovative, insight‑driven mindset ensures customer and employee perspectives inform continuous improvement.
As a trusted, adaptable people leader, you will build capability, foster a high‑performing culture, and confidently influence at ELT level to drive collective success across the organisation.
How to apply:
To submit your application, please click Apply now. For a confidential discussion, contact Fraser Leith at fraser@inside.co.nz or Nick Ritchie at nick@inside.co.nz. Applications will be acknowledged electronically. Applications close 12 noon Friday 13th March 2026.
We want our candidates to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
