Business Support Manager

New Zealand Government; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 104,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Zealand Government seeks a Business Support Manager to lead a five-person team delivering financial, administrative, and operational support across the Defence Estate and Infrastructure (DEI) Business Unit. You will drive continuous improvement, manage budgets, and foster a safe, productive workplace within Defence House.

Key responsibilities include coaching, budgeting, stakeholder engagement, and leading process improvements to enhance service delivery and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership, team management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong budget management, planning, and organisational capabilities.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience driving process improvements, managing competing priorities, and exercising sound judgement in a dynamic environment.
• NCEA Level 3 or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Providing day-to-day leadership and coaching to the Business Support Team, ensuring the delivery of responsive and high-quality support services across DEI.
• Managing and coordinating administrative and business support functions to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders.
• Overseeing budget management, financial processes, and reporting to support informed decision-making.
• Leading business improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery.
• Supporting workplace health, safety, and wellbeing initiatives while maintaining a positive and collaborative team culture.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Planning

Organisational capabilities

Communication

Problem-solving

Relationship-building

Process improvements

Prioritisation

Education

NCEA Level 3 or equivalent

Job description

About the role

As the Business Support Manager, you will play a pivotal role in enabling the success of the Defence Estate and Infrastructure (DEI) Business Unit. Leading a team of five business support professionals, you will oversee the delivery of high-quality financial, administrative, and operational support services across DEI. This is a varied and influential leadership role where you will drive continuous improvement initiatives, manage budgets and business processes, and help foster a safe, productive, and customer-focused working environment within Defence House.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing day-to-day leadership and coaching to the Business Support Team, ensuring the delivery of responsive and high-quality support services across DEI.
• Managing and coordinating administrative and business support functions to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders.
• Overseeing budget management, financial processes, and reporting to support informed decision-making.
• Leading business improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery.
• Supporting workplace health, safety, and wellbeing initiatives while maintaining a positive and collaborative team culture.

The salary for this role begins at $104,214 and has a midpoint of $115,131 inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience. Applications may be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.

Skills and Experience

We're looking for a capable and proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys enabling others to succeed. You'll bring a blend of people leadership, business acumen, and a continuous improvement mindset, along with the ability to build strong relationships across a diverse stakeholder group.

• Proven leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong budget management, planning, and organisational capabilities.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience driving process improvements, managing competing priorities, and exercising sound judgement in a dynamic environment
• NCEA Level 3 or equivalent experience

No candidate is expected to meet every desired skill / experience listed. If your background differs from what we've outlined but you believe you can contribute to the role, we encourage you to apply.

What's in it for you

Safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all - irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics - NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Application Deadline

Applications close on Thursday 10 September 2026.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

Security Clearance Eligibility

• Higher Level Security Clearance
• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
• You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.
• If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.