Manager Strategy & Policy

New Zealand Defence Force; Upper Hutt; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover

Critical illness protection

Will services

Discounted insurances

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force – Upper Hutt, North Island, is seeking a Manager Strategy & Policy to lead the development of learning strategy, governance and policy across the NZDF. You will work with the Commander New Zealand Defence College to provide expert advice, drive strategic initiatives and ensure policies align with best practice and future capability needs.

The role requires strong analytical and writing skills, experience in government/Defence policy, and the ability to influence senior

Qualifications

• Experience leading the development and implementation of policy within government, Defence or large organisations.
• Strong research, analysis and writing skills, with the ability to turn complex information into clear, practical policy and guidance.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, managing priorities and identifying risks to achieve successful outcomes.
• Strong digital literacy and a proactive approach to building professional networks, staying informed and driving continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the NZDF individual learning strategy, policy, governance and frameworks.
• Research emerging trends and benchmark NZDF learning practices against Defence, government and industry best practice.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance NZDF learning systems.
• Develop, review and maintain key Defence learning policies, orders, manuals and guidance documents.
• Leadership of a small, high performing team.
• Provide expert policy advice to senior leaders, learning providers and stakeholders across the NZDF.
• Build strong relationships across Defence and external organisations to champion strategic learning initiatives and support organisational change.

Skills

Policy development

Research

Writing

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Tools

Policy frameworks

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

New Zealand Defence Force – Upper Hutt, North Island

As Manager Strategy & Policy, you will be the principal NZDF learning expert, driving and enhancing the development of learning strategy, governance, policy and frameworks that support a modern, effective learning system. Working closely with the Commander New Zealand Defence College you will provide expert advice, lead strategic initiatives, and ensure NZDF learning policies remain aligned with best practice and future capability needs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development and implementation of the NZDF individual learning strategy, policy, governance and frameworks.
• Research emerging trends and benchmark NZDF learning practices against Defence, government and industry best practice.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance NZDF learning systems,
• Develop, review and maintain key Defence learning policies, orders, manuals and guidance documents
• Leadership of a small, high performing team.
• Provide expert policy advice to senior leaders, learning providers and stakeholders across the NZDF.
• Build strong relationships across Defence and external organisations to champion strategic learning initiatives and support organisational change.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and shape the direction of learning within a large, dynamic organisation.

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.

This role is ideal for a skilled policy professional with strengths in research, analysis and writing

You will play a key role in shaping organisational direction through the development of high-quality policy, providing clear advice and influencing decision-making across Defence.While an understanding of learning environments is beneficial, your strength in technical writing and/ or policy development, stakeholder engagement and strategic thinking will be central to your success.

• Experience leading the development and implementation of policy within government, Defence or large organisations.
• Strong research, analysis and writing skills, with the ability to turn complex information into clear, practical policy and guidance.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, managing priorities and identifying risks to achieve successful outcomes.
• Strong digital literacy and a proactive approach to building professional networks, staying informed and driving continuous improvement.

Nōu te rourou | 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. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. 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.

Applications close on Thursday 24 September 2026.

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here’s what you need to know:

Low 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 five (5) years.
• You must have a five (5) 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.