Manager, Strategic Insights & Data

Lead meaningful change through insights that shape health, activity and wellbeing across the Waikato region.

• Provide leadership and direction to a dedicated team serving the Waikato.
• Develop a centre of excellence that transforms data into tangible outcomes for the community.
• Create compelling narratives that showcase impact, progress and influence futures.

Competitive salary + professional development

At Everest, we are all about people. We work with our clients and candidates to build great relationships so we can match the right person to the right role.

Here’s our latest opportunity!

About the organisation

Sport Waikato is at an exciting stage in its history as it looks to accelerate its vision of having everyone out there and active. Guided by “Moving Waikato” - its strategy to grow participation in play, active recreation, and sport in the Waikato region - its vison is to have “Everyone out there, active” and reaching all communities within the region from the Coromandel to Turangi, Waihi to Kawhia and everywhere in between.

Passionate, knowledgeable, and innovative in its thought leadership, it is motivated by its vision and a desire to see communities benefit from being active. With a keen eye on the changing dynamics of society, lifestyle and demand, it strives to stay ahead of the curve creating a positive future for generations to come.

Mahia te mahi hei painga moo te iwi. Doing the work for the betterment of the people.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to lead Sport Waikato’s Research and Analysis Hub on its journey towards becoming a centre of excellence for data, insights, and knowledge. In this influential role, you’ll be responsible for shaping the way information is captured, analysed, and applied to drive the future focus and impact of the organisation.

You’ll manage a dedicated team, overseeing strategic projects, leading data-led decision-making frameworks, and contributing to meaningful sector change. Your work will inform both internal direction and external partnerships across local councils, health providers, education, and community organisations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic vision and operation of the Research and Analysis Hub
• Position Sport Waikato as a regional leader in data-driven planning
• Deliver insights that shape policy, programming, and organisational learning
• Oversee the development of robust frameworks for data management and knowledge sharing
• Build capability across the organisation in insight interpretation and application to empower activation
• Strengthen relationships with external stakeholders to drive shared outcomes
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team, fostering innovation and excellence

What You’ll Bring

• Proven leadership experience in research, data, or insight functions with familiarity of implementing best practice methodologies
• Advanced critical thinking skills, able to distil complex data sets to inform and drive direction through creative narratives
• A strategic mindset with the courage to deliver impact in a “living lab” environment
• Confidence in using and promoting emerging technology to enhance research and analysis
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences
• A collaborative approach and commitment to continuous learning
• A passion for creating impact in health, wellbeing, and community outcomes

Why Sport Waikato?

You will be part of a passionate and supportive team where your expertise will directly contribute to healthier futures for people across the region. We offer a flexible, values-led work environment where innovation, learning, and people come first.

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working.
• Employee centric staff wellbeing programme
• Professional development available for all employees.
• Culture capability (Maaori) personal development.
• EAP services.
• Whaanau first philosophy including access to discretionary leave for life "curve balls".

Keen to make a difference? Apply now!

For a confidential chat please call Recruitment Partner, Helen Dale on 027 267 9725.