Data and AI Governance Specialist

Why You’d Like It

This isn't your typical "policy-police" governance role. If you’re a data specialist who loves the technical side of things but also enjoys the challenge of building frameworks that actually work in the real world, this is for you. You’ll be at the forefront of AI and data evolution, moving beyond just managing risk to genuinely enabling innovation.

It’s a chance to take full ownership of a modern governance estate in a fast-paced environment where your work directly impacts how safely and quickly the business can launch new tech.

The Story

As the world moves faster toward AI-driven solutions, the need for trust and observability has never been higher. To keep up with rapid growth and a shifting technological landscape, a dedicated Data & AI Governance Specialist is needed to lead the charge.

This isn't about maintaining the status quo; it’s about evolving a mature, enterprise-wide strategy. The focus is on embedding governance into the very fabric of delivery, ensuring that as the company scales and adopts new AI use cases, it does so with a foundation that is compliant, controlled, and ready for anything.

Company Profile

This is a high-growth, Kiwi success story operating on a global stage. They are leaders in the transport technology and telematics space, dealing with massive amounts of real-time data that helps businesses stay safe and efficient.

They pride themselves on being pragmatic and outcome-driven, fostering a culture where "doing what’s right" is just as important as getting the job done. With a heavy focus on innovation and a newly established AI Centre of Excellence, they are committed to staying ahead of the curve.

Your Role Reporting directly to the Director of Data, AI and Insights, this role is about being the hands-on architect of trust. You will:

• Own and operate the data governance platform, including cataloguing, classification, and data quality tools.
• Develop and evolve the Data & AI Governance Framework, ensuring it’s pragmatic and delivery-focused.
• Manage the centralised AI Agent catalogue and assess new AI initiatives for risk and compliance.
• Partner with Legal, Privacy, and Security teams to align controls with international standards like GDPR and SOC2.
• Facilitate governance forums and the Governance Committee to drive decision-making and clear blockers.
• Design and deliver literacy programmes to lift data and AI savvy across the entire organisation.
• Monitor data quality and lineage to provide clear visibility into the health of the data estate.

Benefits

• Shaping the Future: You aren't just following a handbook; you are helping write the strategy for AI and data governance.
• Modern Tech Stack: Work with cutting-edge data platforms and AI tools in a sophisticated technical environment.
• Flexible & Collaborative: A culture that values teamwork, growth, and the flexibility to get your best work done.
• Global Impact: See your frameworks applied across different international jurisdictions and regulatory environments.

Your Fit 

To hit the ground running in this senior specialist role, you’ll bring a mix of technical grit and stakeholder savvy:

• At least 4 years of experience in data governance, data management, or data risk roles.
• A solid understanding of modern data platforms (lakes, warehouses) and strong SQL literacy.
• Proven experience operating governance tools such as data catalogues or business glossaries.
• A genuine interest in AI ethics and responsible AI principles.
• The ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical, "no-friction" guidance for delivery teams.
• A pragmatic, "get stuck in" attitude—you prefer measurable outcomes over empty policy documents.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand. If you are not a NZ Citizen, you must have the right of permanent residence or a valid work visa.

Does this sound like it could be the next role for you? Get in touch with Dan for a confidential discussion email [email protected] or call on 021331559.