Data Architect - People Data

About the Role

Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections New Zealand) is undertaking a significant overhaul of its fragmented people data environment. Moving away from disconnected source systems, duplicated data transformations, and inconsistent reporting outputs, the aim is to establish a unified people data model. As a Data Architect specializing in People Data, you will be instrumental in turning this vision into an architectural reality. Your responsibilities include defining the future state, owning conceptual and logical data models, and setting standards for dimensional and semantic modeling, metrics, hierarchies, reference data, data lineage, and reusable business logic. Your role ensures that individual data products contribute cohesively to a unified ecosystem rather than becoming isolated solutions.

Your influence extends beyond analytics platforms to source systems, determining how people-related data is represented, mastered, aggregated, and transported within the broader ecosystem. This is a pure data architecture position focused on sophisticated information design, modeling, and maximizing reuse. Candidates primarily experienced in solution architecture or platform selection may find the role less aligned with their expertise.

You will face inherited complexities with entrenched practices and conflicting definitions requiring careful balancing of competing priorities, technical debt management, and innovation. You must challenge short-sighted decisions causing fragmentation and influence stakeholders without formal authority. This role demands a proactive agent of change rather than a status quo maintainer. It presents a unique opportunity to impact how one of New Zealand's largest government entities comprehends its workforce through data. You can expect substantial autonomy, clear mandate, and support to pursue essential but challenging reforms. The work will be intricate, progress occasionally uneven, and optimal solutions seldom easy.

About You

You possess the ability to navigate smoothly among business concepts, source system realities, logical constructs, dimensional frameworks, and semantic layers. You understand that effective architecture goes beyond sound technology; it establishes clarity, consistency, and reuse throughout entire information ecosystems. You are comfortable resolving conflicting definitions, confronting decisions that foster long-term data fragmentation, and influencing multiple stakeholders without relying on direct authority. Above all, you are passionate about how data is defined, structured, interconnected, and leveraged to build a coherent and trustworthy information environment.

Skills and Experience

• Extensive experience designing complex data architectures and analytical data models.
• Expertise in conceptual, logical, dimensional, and semantic data modeling techniques.
• Proven ability to develop reusable data standards, business rules, and modeling patterns.
• Strong knowledge of contemporary analytics platforms, ideally Microsoft Fabric, Power BI semantic layers, or comparable tools.
• Sound judgment in balancing immediate delivery demands with long-term architectural sustainability and integrity.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder influencing abilities enabling consensus across technical and business groups.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary midpoint is NZD 155,285 annually, with a full salary range from NZD 131,993 to NZD 186,342 (85% to 120% range). Final compensation will reflect skills and relevant experience.

About the Organization

Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections contributes to enhancing public safety, reducing reoffending rates, and addressing the disproportionate representation of Māori in correctional facilities. This values-driven organization emphasizes leadership, respect, spirituality, guardianship, and familial relationships guided by its Hōkai Rangi framework. Inclusion and diversity are core workforce principles, reflecting New Zealand's diverse population. The department ensures a transparent and fair recruitment process, welcoming requests for reasonable accommodations.

Application Process

Applicants must submit their applications through the official careers platform, including a customized CV and a cover letter describing their motivation for joining, relevant competencies, and alignment with the department's mission. Applications sent via email will not be accepted. The closing date for applications is Sunday, 9th August 2026. For inquiries, contact maria.papp@corrections.govt.nz or visit the department's career website.