Payroll Team Leader

New Zealand Defence Force; Wellington; On-site; NZD 84,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover up to $300,000

Critical illness protection

Free will services

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force in Wellington is seeking an experienced Payroll Team Leader to manage a team delivering accurate and timely payroll services within a large, complex organisation.

You will lead, mentor, and develop staff, identify process improvements, and build strong relationships with stakeholders across NZDF while balancing priorities in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years' experience in payroll
• Experience leading, mentoring or developing staff
• Strong attention to detail with a structured, methodical approach
• Advanced level of computer literacy with MS Excel
• Knowledge of payroll legislation and compliance
• Experience with SAP payroll systems is desirable

Responsibilities

• Delivery oversight of payroll services to ensure accurate and timely pay
• Mentor and develop team capability through knowledge sharing
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and practices
• Build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders across NZDF
• Manage workflows, priorities and resources in a busy operational environment

Skills

Payroll

Team leadership

Excel

Stakeholder management

SAP

Tools

SAP payroll systems

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th 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 Payroll Team Leader, you'll lead a team delivering accurate and timely payroll services in a large, complex organisation. No two days are the same as you balance operational delivery, stakeholder relationships, team development and continuous improvement.

You will be responsible for:

• Delivery oversight of payroll services to ensure people are paid correctly and on time
• Supporting team capability through knowledge sharing, mentoring and development
• Identifying opportunities to improve payroll processes and business practices
• Building strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders across NZDF
• Managing workflows, priorities and resources across a busy operational environment

The salary band for this role starts at $83,507 with a midpoint of $92,111, 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.

We're looking for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys leading people and helping others succeed. You'll be highly organised, detail-oriented and methodical in your approach, with the ability to build trusted relationships and confidently manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

To be successful in this role, you'll have:

• 2-5 years' experience working in payroll
• Previous experience leading, mentoring or developing staff
• Strong attention to detail and a structured, methodical approach to work
• An advanced level of computer literacy with a particular focus on MS Excel
• Knowledge of payroll legislation and compliance requirements
• Experience with SAP payroll systems (desirable but not essential)

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. 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 Monday 24 August 2026.

Low Level Security Clearance

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:

• 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.