General Manager Engagement, Data and Innovation

Engagement, Data and Innovation | Regulatory and Identity Services

Location : Wellington

Reporting to : Deputy Secretary Regulatory and Identity Services

Type : Permanent role, Full time

Salary : $204,651 - $254,676

Applications close : 21 November 2025

DIA has come through a significant period of change, and we are seeking a highly experienced and values-driven leader.

About the Role

We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our Regulatory and Identity Services (RIS) branch as General Manager – Engagement, Data and Innovation (EDI). This is a pivotal role driving innovation, engagement, and data strategy across a diverse portfolio of regulatory systems and identity services.

Regulatory and Identity Services manages a broad portfolio of regulatory systems and operational services. The branch delivers future-focused digital identity products and services, ensuring a customer-centric approach to the processing and production of identity and life event products, including passports, citizenship, births, deaths, and marriages. It also has accountability for several regulatory systems, including charities, gambling, anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML / CFT), digital child exploitation, digital violent extremism and digital messaging and systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide advice to the Deputy Secretary and Leadership Team on relevant strategic developments and issues arising.
• Lead strategic engagement with key stakeholders across government, industry, and international bodies.
• Drive innovation in product and service design, responding to legislative change and evolving customer needs.
• Oversee strategic investment planning and data analysis to inform continuous improvement.
• Represent New Zealand in international forums and negotiations, advancing our leadership in identity and security systems.
• Lead planning for the EDI group and RIS system product roadmap.
• Champion innovation across RIS products and services and collaborate with senior leaders across the department.
• Lead cross-government and international programmes focused on identity and regulatory innovation.

What you will bring

We are looking for an experienced, collaborative and inspiring leader who has :

Ready to make a difference?

The Department is an equal opportunity employer who values diversity and inclusion. It recognises a diverse workforce that contributes to better business outcomes. It is committed to creating a workplace where all employees have equal access.

Join us in shaping the future of regulatory and identity services.

Apply now with your CV and a cover letter outlining your leadership experience.

Job description : To review the full job description, please click here. If you are unable to follow the link, please review the full job description on our careers website.

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