Ai Programme Lead

Overview

Thriving together- mo te taiao, mo nga tangata.

Our environment and our people go hand-in-hand.

Lead the way in AI enablement at Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

Coordinate an impactful programme, support kaimahi, and contribute to responsible AI adoption.

Collaborate across teams, develop strategic initiatives, and stay ahead of emerging tech.

Empower people, build capability, and help shape the future of digital services.

Play a key role in supporting Council's ongoing journey to ensure it remains future-ready.

About the role

As our new

AI Programme Lead

, you'll play a strategic role supporting digital innovation, people empowerment, and organisational transformation through the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

You'll coordinate and contribute to the development and implementation of AI initiatives that align with Council values and service goals, while ensuring kaimahi are supported and engaged throughout the journey.

The AI Programme Lead plays a critical role in supporting the Council's journey to become future-ready through ethical and innovative use of AI.

This role sits within the Digital team and reports to the Chief Digital Officer.

Coordinate AI programme delivery across Council teams

Support kaimahi to adopt and engage with AI tools

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

Monitor AI trends and assess opportunities for Council

Ensure ethical and responsible use of AI technologies

Your skills and experience

We're looking for someone who brings a balanced view of digital, people, and strategy.

Proven experience in AI, data, or digital transformation

Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills

Ability to bring kaimahi along the change journey

Strategic thinker with practical delivery focus

Experience in public sector or community-focused work is an advantage

Stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies

A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., Computer Science, Data Analytics, Information Systems) is preferred.

Who we are

Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council is responsible for land, air and water as well as public transport and economic development.

A major focus of our work involves looking after the environment.

We manage the effects of people's use of freshwater, land, air and coastal water.

However, we also have a broader responsibility with others for the economic, social and cultural well-being of the regional community.

We are a values-driven organisation, that really cares about our people.

Who you are is important to us and we welcome diversity as an opportunity to grow our teams and are keen to support people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religions and abilities.

We want Toi Moana to be a place where you bring your whole self to work.

You'll be joining the Digital team, known for its collaborative approach and commitment to enabling digital services and innovation across Council.

Varied and challenging work.

A supportive and collaborative work environment.

Flexibility working arrangements to support work-life balance.

A competitive remuneration and leave package, including additional paid leave over Christmas / New Year, employer paid insurance, well-being initiatives.

A commitment to supporting you grow and develop.

Meaningful work that supports regional wellbeing.

This role can be located from either our Tauranga, Whakatane or Rotorua office.

How to Apply

Click APPLY NOW or contact Evaleigh Rautjoki-Williams - Chief Digital Officer on 027 492 8220 for a confidential discussion.

To access a copy of Te Turanga Mahi (Job Description) please click on the following link or copy and paste it into your web browser :

NB : To apply for this job, you must have the legal right to be able to work in New Zealand and also a current, valid driver's licence.

Applications close 5pm, Sunday 12 October 2025 and will only be accepted online.

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