Manager - National Security and Emergency Management

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 174,000 - 236,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Zealand Customs Service in Wellington seeks a proven leader to head the National Security and Emergency Management team, delivering national security and emergency management outcomes. You will manage complex issues, drive performance, and link delivery to strategy while engaging extensively with internal and external partners.

The role emphasizes people leadership, change management, and strong communication to secure successful operational results and governance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in stakeholder management with internal and external partners.
• Strong leadership skills to lead highly effective teams through change.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage an output-focused team delivering national security and emergency management outcomes.
• Oversee delivery of operational requirements and align with strategy and performance goals.
• Engage extensively with internal and external stakeholders to build lasting relationships.
• Demonstrate decisive risk mitigation and ensure clear, impactful messaging.

Skills

Stakeholder management

People leadership

Communication

Decision making

Change management

Job description

Interested in leading a high performing team delivering national security and emergency management outcomes?About the role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi…The New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa protects New Zealand's border using world-class tools, world-class people and innovative approaches.The National Security and Emergency Management (NSEM) team is a high-performing, multidisciplinary team who undertake a range of roles, including, national security system engagement, national security operations, emergency management functions, exercise planning and delivery, and engagement on major events. Sitting in the National Security and Operational Readiness Group, NSEM delivers strategic advice to senior executives, coordinates Customs involvement and participation in the national security system, as well as operational delivery across a range of national security areas.We are looking for someone to lead and manage this output focused team. This is an opportunity for someone with a proven track record in national security system management to lead this capability and further contribute to protecting and promoting New Zealand. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who thrives managing complex issues, overseeing the delivery of operational outcomes and linking it to strategy and performance. As this role has a significant amount of stakeholder engagement, both internally and externally, the success applicant will have excellent relationship management skills and understand the importance of working collaboratively. This role will suit someone who is looking to broaden their capability by leading specialist teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.The successful applicant is a member of the National Security and Operational Readiness Leadership Team.This role is based in Wellington with a salary range of $174,309 - $235,829.About you | Ko wai koe…To be successful in this role you will need to be able to demonstrate:A sound and developed understanding of New Zealand’s national security systemExperience achieving results through othersDemonstrated proficiency in stakeholder management with experience building and enhancing successful relationships with internal and external stakeholdersWell-developed influencing skills to drive key relationships, and experience and comfort with senior-level stakeholdersStrong skills and experience in all aspects of people leadership, including leading highly effective and efficient teams and leading through changeWell-developed interpersonal skills with the ability to clearly communicate effectively (verbally and in writing)The ability to oversee the delivery of operational requirements for Customs and partner agencies, ensuring that processes and policies are adhered toYou will have strong decision-making capabilities with the ability to mitigate risks effectively. Having excellent interpersonal skills, using both verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, to ensure clarity of message and achieve the desired result are essential.Requirements to apply | Ngā paearu hei tonoTo work for the New Zealand Customs Service in this role, you must be able to have the ability to obtain and maintain and TOP SECRET* security clearance and have resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 10 years*Already having a TOP SECRET clearance is a benefit, but not a requirement. We'll guide you through the process.(*) If you are a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 10 years but have been absent from New Zealand for periods of 6-9 months within the past 10 years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA then you may still meet the requirements for a clearance. Any exceptions to this will need to be discussed with recruitment to assess whether you will still be eligible to meet the Organisation's Security Clearance application criteria.How to apply | Me pehea te whakauruPlease apply online. You will be asked some questions relevant to the role and be required to upload a CV and Cover Letter. It is best to set aside some time to apply where you won't be interrupted.If shortlisted, you will be required to take a psychometric assessment and if successful you will need to complete a medical and drugs test.Applications close at 5pm on Thursday 19th November 2026 at 11pm. Please contact Jasmine at [e-mail] if you have any questions.