Technical & AI Lead – Managed Services - Director

About the opportunity

PwC New Zealand is expanding its Managed Services practice and is looking for a director-level Technical and AI Lead to help shape its future capability. This position is designed for someone who wants to deliver specialist services that create measurable value for clients, while operating in structured, repeatable environments with the backing of a global firm.

The role is based in Auckland or Wellington and focuses on defining the technology direction for Managed Services across scalable platforms, AI-enabled delivery, automation, architecture, data, cyber, and operational resilience. You will act as the most senior technical authority for this area, working closely with leadership, client teams, delivery teams, risk, and enabling functions to design, launch, and continuously improve services and client solutions. Some travel between Auckland and Wellington is expected.

What you will do

• Set and guide the technical strategy for Managed Services across New Zealand.
• Turn strategy into practical roadmaps, delivery approaches, control frameworks, and operating routines.
• Support the design and ongoing improvement of AI-enabled and automated service models.
• Shape secure, scalable, and resilient solutions across cloud, applications, integration, data, and cyber domains.
• Lead technical solution design for managed services, outsourced operations, transformation initiatives, application management, managed security, and similar recurring service models.
• Partner with business and delivery leaders to improve managed services offerings and client outcomes.
• Contribute to pre-sales, business development, governance, and client-facing technical discussions.
• Provide architecture narratives, decision documentation, risk inputs, and other senior-level materials.

What you will bring

• At least 10 years’ experience in technology, architecture, AI, automation, managed services, consulting, or complex enterprise delivery, including time spent in senior roles.
• A strong track record of converting technical strategy into actionable plans and delivery models.
• Deep familiarity with AI-enabled service delivery, automation, analytics, knowledge management, workflow design, observability, and platform-based operating models.
• Hands-on experience across secure and resilient solution design in cloud, application, integration, data, and cyber environments.
• Background in leading technical design for managed services or similar operating models.
• Commercial understanding of how design choices affect scope, service levels, staffing, tools, and contractual obligations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for executive documents, governance forums, client conversations, and risk discussions.
• Experience in pre-sales or business development.
• A growth mindset and the ability to add value even if you do not meet every stated requirement.

Why this role stands out

• Opportunity to work with PwC’s global network, technology, and learning ecosystem.
• Leadership development and formal learning pathways, including AI tools and training.
• Discretionary bonus potential, generous referral bonuses, and retail discounts.
• Wellbeing support including a $250 annual wellbeing allowance, life and income protection, access to Sonder/EAP/Headspace, 15 days of paid sick leave, and group-rate health insurance where eligible.
• Flexible working and a supportive coaching culture.
• Two paid recognition days during the annual summer shutdown period, plus the option to buy up to two additional weeks of annual leave.
• Paid parental leave for all parents, with flexible options and financial planning support.
• Inclusive networks and paid volunteering leave.

Additional information

This position requires an independence review process because maintaining objectivity is essential. PwC is not working with recruitment agencies for this vacancy, and candidates are asked to apply directly. Applications may close early if a suitable person is identified. Secure AI-enabled tools may support parts of the recruitment process, but people will review all applications and make the final decisions.

PwC New Zealand’s purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. The organisation promotes growth, meaningful challenge, and long-term impact for clients, communities, and Aotearoa.