Technical Lead - Code Modules

Background on the work programme: The mission of the Code Modules Initiative is to make New Zealand’s integrated data assets easier to use, and understandable for everyone, including non‑technical people. Following a successful pilot in 2022, this work has attracted the backing of eight agencies and non‑government users who see value in creating data tools, called code modules, that contain high‑quality code and documentation for foundational measures needed by researchers – such as benefit receipt, migration status, highest qualification, employment status, and total income. The initiative is now expanding to support the growing demands on administrative data from delivery of the Social Investment approach and shifts toward greater use of administrative data in the production of official statistics.

Wellington‑based opportunity for a highly skilled and forward‑thinking Technical Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our data products and platforms. As the technical leader within the Code Modules team, you will drive excellence in coding standards, testing practices, documentation, and technical debt management, ensuring our solutions are robust, scalable, and built for long‑term success. Working closely with the Product Owner, you will influence technical direction, help prioritise the roadmap, and lead the identification and mitigation of risks that could impact delivery or product performance. Beyond technical leadership, you will mentor and develop fellow team members, fostering a culture of learning, innovation, and continuous improvement. You will also be at the forefront of modernising the way we work—identifying opportunities to streamline processes, increase automation, and strengthen collaboration across teams. A key focus of this role is exploring emerging technologies and future‑state solutions, including prototyping and evaluating platforms such as Databricks, helping to define the next generation of tools, processes, and capabilities that will support our evolving data landscape.

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• Drive excellence in coding standards, testing practices, documentation, and technical debt management.
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• Collaborate with the Product Owner to influence technical direction, prioritise the roadmap, and mitigate risks.
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• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
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• Modernise processes, increase automation, and strengthen collaboration across teams.
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• Explore emerging technologies and future‑state solutions, prototype and evaluate platforms such as Databricks.
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• Holds or is working towards a Master’s degree, or equivalent work experience.
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• 10 or more years of quantitative or qualitative research/analytics experience.
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• Background working with IDI and LBD data.
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• Advanced knowledge of relevant concepts, frameworks, techniques, and practices.
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• Strong database analytics skills and statistical programming (R, SQL, Python). Background with software development lifecycle practice is an advantage.
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• Strong cross‑team and cross‑functional communication, and ability to mentor and support others.
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• Ability to apply best practice and advise on options for improving existing data product design and delivery practices.
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• Demonstrated competency in mātauranga Māori, tikanga and Te Tiriti Waitangi application in a workplace setting; proficiency in te reo Māori or a strong commitment to developing te reo Māori capability is welcomed.
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• Commitment to continuous learning and applying cultural capability in practice.
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• Values integrity, responsibility, curiosity, inclusivity and collaboration.
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• 37.5 hour work week.
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• 15 days sick leave allowance (for yourself or people under your care).
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• 3 extra days off during end‑of‑year office closure.
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• Annual flu vaccines.
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• Funded counselling and coaching through the Employee Assistance Programme.
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• Visual and hearing health benefits.
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• Corporate rates for a variety of services and products.
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• Study assistance programmes.
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• Rōpū Waiata – weekly cross‑agency connection.
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• An active social club in each office.
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• Starting salary for this position: $105,478 – $130,000 + Kiwisaver.
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