Senior Manager, Regulatory Systems & Data Analytics

The Regulatory and Identity Services (RIS) Taituarā branch shapes systems and services that touch almost every New Zealander. Our diverse, nationwide and international team works at the intersection of innovation and integrity, with a strong commitment to cultural responsibility and authentic engagement with Māori and Pasifika communities.

Within RIS, the Engagement, Data and Innovation (EDI) group develops new products, services, and operational policy to advance branch priorities. Our Data & Insights teams apply data and analytics expertise to inform operational and policy decisions and risk-based regulation, while owning key regulatory systems that underpin the work of the organisation.

Reporting to the Director, Data & Insights, this is a senior leadership role that drives DIA's data maturity through strengthened governance, modern data practices, and improved use of analytics to support informed decision-making. You will play a central role in the organisation's transformation agenda, ensuring systems and data are aligned to deliver greater value across a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.

The regulatory landscape is expanding significantly, with new responsibilities including oversight of online casino gambling and DIA's transition to becoming the sole regulator for Anti-Money Laundering, alongside its existing gambling and charities regulation functions. This role operates across all of these domains, partnering with stakeholders and Enterprise Digital Services to deliver end-to-end data solutions that generate insights supporting effective regulation and policy outcomes.

Working in close alignment with Identity Services as part of a centralised data function, you will shape and implement a unified data strategy across regulatory and identity systems. You will lead a team of analysts and specialists, oversee key platforms to ensure they remain fit for purpose and future-ready, and ensure technology investment is aligned with business priorities.

• Lead the Regulatory Systems and Data Analytics team, fostering a high-performing, collaborative team culture that supports capability development and thrives through change
• Drive DIA's data maturity programme, including strengthening data governance frameworks, modern data practices, and analytics capability
• Shape and implement a unified data strategy across regulatory and identity domains in partnership with Identity Services and Enterprise Digital Services
• Deliver end-to-end data solutions that generate actionable insights to support risk-based regulation, policy development, and operational decision-making
• Oversee key regulatory platforms, ensuring they are fit for purpose, future-ready, and aligned to evolving business and regulatory requirements
• Ensure technology investment decisions are grounded in strategic business priorities and long-term value
• Partner with senior leaders, cross-agency stakeholders, and vendors to align data and systems work with organisational goals
• Champion data communication and storytelling, helping teams and stakeholders engage meaningfully with data and evidence
• Uphold and embed obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the design and delivery of data and digital services

• Proven experience leading data strategy and transformation, data analytics, and/or digital product management at a senior level
• A collaborative, people-centred leadership style with a strong track record of building high-performing teams and developing capability and culture
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change, maintaining team cohesion and momentum during periods of organisational transformation
• Expertise in data communication and storytelling — the ability to bring data to life for diverse audiences, from frontline analysts to executive stakeholders
• Strong understanding of data governance, analytical frameworks, and public sector systems and environments
• Ability to connect data and technology strategy to long-term business outcomes, with a commercial and organisational awareness that informs prioritisation
• Confidence engaging with senior leaders, vendors, and cross-agency partners, with strong influencing and relationship management skills
• Awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and how they shape data and digital service delivery in the New Zealand public sector context

At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas are welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while being empowered to set and achieve goals and to challenge the status quo.

Our people work on some of New Zealand's