Senior Domain Architect - Data
Date: 14 May 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
• Strategic technical leadership of data architecture to support MSD’s transformation
• Influence enterprise-wide technology decisions
• Drive innovation and capability development
• Two-year secondment/fixed-term position, Wellington-based.
Join a strategic leadership role where your deep domain expertise will guide the integration of services and capabilities across the Ministry. Lead architectural vision, influence enterprise-wide decisions, and help shape data and technology roadmaps that drive real impact.
About us | Mō mātou:
The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
About our team | Mō te tīma:
MSD – services for the future is a multi-year programme to transform how we operate so we can deliver for New Zealanders and focus our resources and investment on the people who need it. The programme will make significant changes to our underlying systems, processes, and introduce redesigned services that put people first.
The Information, Data, and Analytics team is leading an ambitious work programme to uplift our data and information capabilities to support the Transformation initiatives, while also establishing Enterprise level standards for BAU. MSD operates within a highly complex data environment, and our focus is on creating the foundations that allow data to be managed deliberately and consistently over time. This includes developing an enterprise data model, strengthening stewardship and governance, embedding a standardised data quality framework, and establishing master data management practices.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
As a Senior Domain Architect – Data, you’ll be responsible for maintaining authoritative expertise across multiple domains and ensuring data is structured, managed and leveraged as a critical strategic asset.
You’ll lead integration efforts, shape architectural standards, and advise key decision-makers on current and future capabilities.
As a trusted advisor, you’ll work closely with Enterprise, Solution and Data Architects, business leaders, and IT stakeholders to ensure technology and data strategies are aligned with the Ministry’s goals.
You’ll play a key role in shaping the roadmap for digital transformation, identifying opportunities for innovation, and ensuring consistency across complex initiatives.
Key responsibilities include:
• Lead the development of multi-dimensional solution and data architectures
• Establish principles and standards for digital and data solution design
• Coordinate target data architecture across projects and initiatives
• Guide architecture decisions across coexistence states, balancing legacy and target platforms while reducing fragmentation and technical debt
• Translate enterprise data architecture into practical patterns and guidance
• Align technology and data strategy with business mission and processes
• Monitor emerging technologies and assess their impact
• Provide expert advice across data architecture disciplines
• Shape and refresh Technology and Data Capability Roadmaps
• Mentoring and assurance for an emerging data architecture team
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
• Deep subject matter expertise across one or more of the following domains:
a. Integration and Data Management Platforms - Mulesoft, Snowflake, Informatica IDMC, and Apache Airflow
b. Delivery Assurance Platforms - Azure DevOps, Jenkins, Atlassian stack (Jira, Bitbucket)
c. Technology Security - Microsoft Defender products, Salesforce security, Secure Access Service Edge
• A mix of technical depth, strategic thinking, and leadership capability
• A passion about data architecture, emerging technologies, and enabling business transformation
• Strong data architecture experience in complex environments
• Demonstrated experience managing, mentoring and supporting data architecture practice
• Agile delivery experience
• Proven leadership in developing technology strategies and roadmaps
• Deep domain-specific knowledge and best practices
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Expert-level knowledge in Enterprise and Data Architecture domains
• Extensive experience with current and emerging technologies
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Committed to quality and continuous improvement
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $163,784.00 - $203,820.00
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono:
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Closing date: Wednesday 27th May, 2026.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai:
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
