Data Engineering and Analytics Lead

Great data platforms don't just store information.

They help organisations make better decisions, improve services and unlock new opportunities through AI and analytics.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is investing in a modern Digital, Data & Technology operating model that will strengthen how information is managed, shared and used across the organisation. We're looking for a Data Engineering & Analytics Lead to help build the data foundations that will support that vision.

About ARENA

ARENA plays a critical role in accelerating Australia's transition to net zero by funding renewable energy and decarbonisation projects, supporting innovation and sharing knowledge that helps shape the future of Australia's energy sector.

Technology and data are becoming increasingly important to that mission.

The organisation is investing in trusted data, modern analytics, enterprise applications and practical AI to improve decision making, increase productivity and deliver greater value across the business.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, Data & Applications, you'll become ARENA's internal leader for enterprise data engineering and analytics.

This role combines technical leadership with business impact.

You'll take ownership of the organisation's emerging data platform, help establish trusted data products, improve reporting and analytics, and guide how information is used across the business.

Working alongside specialist delivery partners, you'll provide the technical direction and internal ownership that ensures ARENA's data capability continues to evolve in line with the organisation's broader Digital strategy.

You'll also mentor a developing Data Analyst while helping shape the next phase of ARENA's analytics capability.

Why This Role Is Different

Many data engineering roles focus almost exclusively on building pipelines.

Others concentrate on dashboards without influencing the underlying platform.

This opportunity brings both together.

You'll help shape the enterprise data platform while remaining closely connected to the people using the information.

Rather than inheriting a mature environment, you'll join while the platform is still being established, giving you the opportunity to influence architecture, engineering standards, trusted data products and the future direction of analytics across the organisation.

You'll also play an important role in supporting ARENA's longer-term AI ambitions by ensuring reliable, well-governed data foundations are in place.

About You

You may currently be a:

• Data Engineering Lead
• Analytics Engineering Lead
• Senior Data Engineer
• Senior Analytics Engineer
• Data & Analytics Lead
• Business Intelligence Lead
• Senior BI Developer looking for broader ownership

You'll ideally bring:

• Strong experience across modern data platforms, analytics and reporting
• Knowledge of technologies such as Snowflake, dbt, Python, Tableau or similar cloud-based data environments
• Experience working with business stakeholders to translate information into better decisions
• The ability to guide technical delivery while partnering with managed service providers
• A passion for improving data quality, governance and trusted reporting
• Curiosity, commercial thinking and a desire to continually improve how organisations use data

ARENA is looking for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, mentoring others and building capability that will continue to grow over time.

Why Join ARENA?

This is an opportunity to broaden your career across data engineering, analytics, governance and emerging AI while helping shape the future of Digital within a purpose-led organisation.

You'll have genuine ownership of the data capability, influence how the platform evolves and work closely with senior leaders driving organisation-wide transformation.

Working within a lean team means your ideas will have visibility, your decisions will matter and you'll have the opportunity to build capability that leaves a lasting impact.

The role offers:

• Permanent opportunity within a purpose-driven Commonwealth Government agency
• Hybrid working across Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra
• Broad ownership across enterprise data, analytics and reporting
• Direct collaboration with senior business and technology leaders
• Ongoing learning and professional development as ARENA continues investing in Digital capability

Next Steps

For a confidential discussion, please contact Steven Fulop on 04•• ••• 446 or ••••@xceltium.com.

Please note that xceltium has been exclusively retained by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to manage this appointment. All direct and third-party applications will be referred to xceltium and treated with the strictest confidence.