Data & AI Manager

Build something that matters. Lead a team that delivers real impact.

At WM New Zealand, we’re not just managing waste we’re leading the way in sustainability, resource recovery, and environmental responsibility.

As we continue to evolve our data and digital capabilities, we’re looking for a Data & AI Manager to take our function to the next level.

This is more than a management role it’s an opportunity to shape how data and AI drive real-world outcomes across a complex, operational business.

We’re looking for a Data & AI Manager to lead and grow our enterprise capability, enabling high-value analytics, AI, and digital outcomes across the organisation.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll shape strategy, lead a high-performing team, and partner across the business to turn data and AI into practical, measurable impact.

You’ll bring a strong balance of leadership, technical depth, and delivery focus. Someone who sets direction, brings people along, and gets things done.

What you’ll be responsible for:

• Lead and grow a multidisciplinary Data & AI team across engineering, analytics, and AI
• Partner with stakeholders to design and embed data products and AI solutions that solve real business problems
• Shape and deliver the data & AI strategy aligned to business priorities
• Own and evolve our data platforms, ensuring they are scalable, secure, and fit-for-purpose
• Drive adoption of AI across the business to improve productivity and decision-making
• Prioritise and deliver the right work balancing innovation, backlog, and operational needs
• Keep the team focused on outcomes, with clear measures of success and value delivered
• Build strong, trusted relationships across the business to influence and achieve the best outcomes

This role suits a pragmatic, delivery-driven leader who thrives in complexity and enjoys building capability while delivering results.

About you

You’re an experienced Data & AI leader who can balance big-picture thinking with hands-on delivery. You enjoy building teams, developing capability, and turning data and AI into outcomes that genuinely move the business forward.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing data and AI teams
• A strong track record of delivering outcomes not just strategy
• Hands-on expertise with modern data platforms (Snowflake, Azure/AWS, dbt, Power BI)
• Practical experience applying AI and advanced analytics to real business problems
• The ability to influence and collaborate across technical and non-technical stakeholders
• A pragmatic, delivery-focused mindset you prioritise well and get things done
• Comfort working in evolving or lower-maturity environments, where you build as you go
• A self-starter approach you take ownership without relying on heavy direction

Why join WM New Zealand?

• Competitive salary package reflecting experience and impact
• A clear and rewarding career pathway as the data & AI function continues to grow
• Work-life balance initiatives that support flexibility and wellbeing
• Ongoing professional development and learning opportunities
• Onsite café and parking for everyday convenience
• Access to discounts on a wide range of products for you and your family
• Fuel discounts at Z to help with the daily commute

Ready to make an impact? Click “I’m interested” to apply.

We review applications as they’re received, so we encourage you to apply early.

WM is an equal opportunity employer committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

Applicants must be based in New Zealand and hold current work rights (visa, residency, or citizenship).