Innovation & Advanced Analytics Lead

Southern Cross Health Insurance is shaping a healthier Aotearoa New Zealand. Our purpose is simple: empowering our members to live well for longer. We're here to give peace of mind through timely access to quality care, inspire healthier living, and lead positive change across the health system. As a New Zealand-owned, member-based organisation, we're building a future where wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do -- delivering exceptional value for our members and creating an environment where our people thrive.

Now is an exciting time to join us. You'll be part of a high-performing, values-driven team where people are at the heart of everything we do -- and in return for your talent, you'll have the opportunity to grow, make an impact, and be proud of the difference your work makes.

About The Role

Southern Cross is guided by purpose, powered by people and technology. We’re here to help almost one million members across Aotearoa New Zealand live well for longer - work with real scale, real responsibility, and a real opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

As we grow to be about assurance as well as insurance - a more proactive partner in our members’ health - we’re building a new Data & AI function from the ground up. We’re looking for a leader to own the analytics, machine learning and AI capability at its core.

This is a senior role for someone who wants to shape how an organisation uses its data: building the practice, leading the team, and turning trusted data into better decisions for the members who depend on us.

About The Role

Reporting to the Head of Data & AI, you’ll own the data transformation practice built on Snowflake and dbt - the foundational work everything else depends on - and extend it into machine learning, MLOps and in-platform AI. You’ll build and lead a team of analytics engineers and data scientists to undertake key intelligence initiatives.

This team is still forming, so you’ll play a key role in shaping how it comes together - from ways of working and technical standards through to how we partner across the Data & AI function and the wider business.

What You'll Do

• Own the analytics engineering practice - data modelling, transformation, dbt standards, testing and documentation
• Lead the transformation of raw data into trusted, well-modelled data inside the Snowflake warehouse
• Build machine learning and AI capability inside the Snowflake ecosystem, including MLOps, model monitoring and feature stores
• Use the in-platform AI capabilities of Snowflake and dbt where they add genuine value
• Deliver data products and intelligent solutions tied to measurable business outcomes
• Establish value and ROI frameworks so the work speaks for itself
• Lead and develop a team of analytics engineers and data scientists
• Partner with stakeholders to translate business problems into models and data products
• Set the standards and roadmap for analytics engineering, MLOps and AI across the function

What You'll Bring

• Deep, hands-on expertise with dbt and Snowflake - this isn’t a role for learning these tools on the job
• A strong grounding in analytics engineering as a discipline: data modelling, transformation frameworks, and software engineering practices applied to data
• Experience with machine learning and MLOps - building, deploying and monitoring models in production
• Familiarity with in-platform AI (Snowflake Cortex, dbt’s AI features, or comparable platforms such as Databricks)
• 8+ years working with databases, BI tools and analytics, with strong SQL and Python
• Experience leading technical teams and developing others
• The ability to connect technical depth to business value, and communicate it clearly to technical and non-technical audiences alike
• A relevant degree (data science, finance or a related field) or equivalent experience

Why Join Us

We’re investing - in people, in technology, and in the mission. At a time when the market is hesitant, we’re continuing to invest in strengthening our foundations and building our capabilities. You’ll have executive sponsorship, a clear mandate, and the opportunity to genuinely shape data and AI practice at scale.

We’re building something worth joining. Our teams are growing, our employer brand is gaining real traction in market, and the way we show up for our members and each other is being noticed. This momentum has also been reflected externally - in 2026, Southern Cross placed 8th in the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index and 5th in New Zealand for Trust.

Who We Are

Ngākau nui. Āhurutanga. Tikanga.

Join a proud, diverse team that’s always there, always real, always true. If you thrive in a caring, honest and open culture, we think you’ll love working with us.

We know our team’s culture and wellbeing drive us forward. That’s why we prioritise not only professional development but opportunities to thrive personally. We offer exceptional work/life balance, and our people are encouraged - and rewarded - for living well.

Southern Cross Employee Benefits Include

• Five days of wellbeing leave per year
• Health insurance for you and your immediate whānau
• Life insurance cover and discounts on pet and travel insurance
• Extra parental leave benefits and financial wellbeing support
• Participation in our workplace wellbeing programme
• The option to purchase flexi leave for study, volunteering, or supporting your whānau
• An annual volunteer day to contribute to a cause with your team

This role is Auckland based. While we appreciate interest from candidates in other locations, we’re unfortunately not able to consider remote options. Have questions? Check out our FAQs for help with the application and recruitment process.

We are proud to have taken the Pride Pledge, reflecting our commitment to inclusion and belonging. We also facilitate an active, employee‑led Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Forum, which includes our Rainbow Network, Māori Network, Pasifika Collective, and Neurodiversity and Whānau Support networks.

If you share our commitment and passion, we'd love to hear from you.