Technology Strategy & Innovation Lead

Join us in shaping the digital future of Napier City Council. As our Technology Strategy & Innovation Lead, you’ll drive the strategic direction of our Data and Digital capability, champion innovation, and ensure our technology environment is secure, modern, and aligned with organisational priorities.

You’ll act as a trusted senior advisor, influencing investment decisions and guiding digital transformation across all Council functions. Working within a primarily outsourced delivery model, you’ll play a critical role in connecting strategy to execution, collaborating with leaders, partners, and vendors to deliver technology solutions that uplift productivity, improve services, and support resilient, future-focused digital operations. This is a pivotal role for someone who thrives on strategic thinking, innovation, and shaping long-term digital outcomes.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Shape and lead Council’s Data & Digital Strategy, ensuring technology investments deliver long-term value, resilience, and improved services for the community.
• Champion innovation, exploring emerging technologies, leading proof-of-concept initiatives, and driving continuous improvement across the organisation.
• Guide major digital initiatives, working closely with colleagues to align strategy with delivery in an outsourced model.
• Strengthen governance and security, overseeing cyber security policy, compliance, and the frameworks that support responsible and effective digital decision-making.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• A strong foundation of experience — at least 8+ years in technology strategy, digital innovation, or senior advisory roles within complex organisations, backed by relevant tertiary qualifications.
• Proven strategic leadership, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, assess emerging technologies, and convert insights into clear, actionable plans.
• Expertise in digital transformation, cyber security principles, and enterprise-wide technology governance, with the confidence to advise at executive level.
• Exceptional communication and relationship skills, enabling you to partner across directorates, lead cross-functional initiatives, and engage teams in a unified digital direction.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years service
• Discounted Health Insurance Work Scheme + Eye Test Subsidy
• Retailer Discounts + Study assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club
• Free flu vaccinations (annual)
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent, full time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You will be based in Napier.

The annual salary package for this role is between $130,000-$153,000 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

Applications for this role close on 16 January 2025 however due to the highly competitive employment market we will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person. Please be aware that we have a close-down period between 19 December and 5 January 2025, so please be patient with us if you do not hear back until the new year.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening & drug testing). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Technology Strategy & Innovation Lead