Manager Strategy & Policy

New Zealand Defence Force; Wellington; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded life cover up to $300,000

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Will services

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force in Wellington is seeking a Manager Strategy & Policy to lead the development and governance of the learning strategy, policies and frameworks.

You will work with the Commander NZDF College, provide expert policy advice, and drive improvements across Defence learning, influencing senior leaders and external partners.

The role emphasizes strong writing, research, stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking to shape the organisation's learning direction.

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 stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, managing priorities and risks to achieve outcomes.
• Strong digital literacy and a proactive approach to building professional networks and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the NZDF 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.
• Lead 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

Strategic thinking

Digital literacy

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 – Wellington, 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.

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.