Head of Digital Optimisation

Head of Digital Optimisation Lead meaningful change. Enable great experiences. Help shape the future of our district. This is an opportunity to make a real difference. You'll lead the way we think about technology, data and digital services, ensuring they not only support our organisation today but help us prepare for tomorrow. Working alongside a passionate leadership team, you'll influence strategic decisions, champion innovation and create conditions that enable our people to do their best work. The opportunity As Head of Digital Optimisation, you'll provide strategic leadership across our digital, technology and information functions. You'll help shape our digital future while ensuring we continue to deliver secure, reliable and customer-focused services. What will I do? Develop and drive our digital strategy and roadmap Lead technology, information and data governance across the organisation Champion digital transformation and continuous improvement initiatives Foster innovation and identify new opportunities to enhance service delivery Guide technology investments and strategic decision-making Build strong partnerships across the organisation and wider sector Lead and develop a talented team of digital professionals Most importantly, you'll help create a digitally enabled organisation that is connected, responsive and ready for the future. What will I bring? We're looking for an authentic and collaborative leader who can bring people together around a shared vision. You'll be someone who: Thinks strategically but enjoys turning ideas into action Builds trusted relationships and works effectively across diverse stakeholder groups Has experience leading digital, technology or transformation functions in a complex environment Understands how technology, data and people combine to create great outcomes Brings sound commercial and governance expertise Is passionate about developing others and building high-performing teams Embraces innovation while balancing risk, practicality and long-term value You don't need to come from local government, but you'll be excited by the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that plays such an important role in the lives of its communities. Why join our team? We are at an exciting stage of our journey and are continuing to progress through a significant organisational transformation that is helping shape our future. As our organisation evolves, you'll have the opportunity to influence how we work, contribute fresh ideas, and help build a collaborative and inclusive workplace where people can thrive. We are committed to investing in our people and providing ongoing learning, development, and career growth opportunities to support your professional aspirations. You'll join a team of dedicated people who care deeply about the work they do and the communities they serve. We value collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement, and we're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people feel supported, empowered and able to thrive. In return, you'll have the opportunity to: Make a genuine impact on the future of our district Influence organisation-wide strategy and transformation Lead meaningful and visible change Work with passionate, capable colleagues Develop your career in a values-driven organisation Enjoy flexibility and a positive, supportive culture Additional Information Salary circa $185K dependent on skills and experience. Waikato District Council offers a range of benefits to employees: Enjoy free parking. Make work, work for you with flexible working options. Benefit from annual performance and remuneration reviews. Access subsidised health insurance. Celebrate with a day of birthday leave. Receive a work–life balance day every six months after your first year. Access confidential support through our Employee Assistance Programme. Take advantage of our employee wellbeing programme. Receive free health checks, training and education at our annual Work Safe Home Safe event. Save with Boost discounts and special offers from New Zealand retailers and service providers. Please note we will be screening applications as they come through. We have a strong safety culture and as part of this our preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment medical assessment which includes alcohol and drug testing.