KPMG New Zealand is part of the international KPMG network and one of the world’s leading professional services organisations. We provide audit, tax and advisory services to individuals, SMEs, multi‑nationals and government agencies.

Locally, we’re known for our values‑driven culture and strong staff engagement, anchored in our purpose of fuelling New Zealand’s prosperity. This purpose drives everything we do, from our client work to internal practises, all guided by our shared values of Integrity, Courage, Excellence, Together, for Better.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a forward thinking Head of Data to lead and elevate our firm's data capability. In this pivotal leadership role, you will define and execute an enterprise-wide data strategy that positions data at the heart of everything we do—powering performance, strengthening risk management, enhancing data security, and enabling smarter, faster decision-making.

As a key member of the IT Senior Leadership Team, you will drive the firm's data agenda, ensuring that data is treated as a strategic asset throughout its lifecycle. You will champion trusted, secure, and accessible data practices, ensuring alignment with KPMG policies, privacy obligations, regulatory requirements and global data standards.

Working in close partnership with our AI strategy and leadership teams, you will help create the foundations that enable responsible AI adoption across the firm. You will ensure our data environments are fit for purpose, secure, and AI-ready, supporting innovation while maintaining the highest standards of governance and ethical data use.

This is an exciting opportunity to create lasting impact by unlocking the full value of data to drive innovation, deliver sustainable outcomes and support the firm's strategic ambitions.

We are open to applicants who are based in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton or Christchurch for this position. 

Day To Day You Will

• Deliver an enterprise-wide data strategy and roadmap aligned to the firm's strategic priorities, technology objectives and AI ambitions.
• Lead and develop the Data team, building a high-performing function and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Partner with senior leaders and stakeholders to embed data into strategic planning, decision-making and business operations.
• Drive the effective use of data to enhance business performance, operational efficiency, risk management and insight generation.
• Establish and maintain trusted, accessible data assets, ensuring data quality, governance and lifecycle management across the firm.
• Collaborate with the Head of AI and technology teams to ensure data is governed, structured and AI-ready, enabling the successful adoption of AI and emerging technologies.
• Strengthen the firm's data security posture through effective information protection, classification, labelling and privacy controls.
• Foster a culture of data literacy, helping colleagues confidently understand, trust and use data in their daily work.
• Monitor emerging trends and best practices in data, analytics, governance and AI, continually evolving the firm's capabilities.
• Lead the delivery of data-related programmes and initiatives through effective planning, governance and stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute as a member of the IT Senior Leadership Team, helping shape the firm's broader technology and digital strategy.