Principal Advisor Strategic Innovation

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 160,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover up to $300,000

Critical illness protection

Defence community benefits

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force seeks a Principal Advisor Strategic Innovation to lead the Innovation Strategy and Strategic Innovation Programme. You will identify emerging opportunities, shape the innovation pipeline and support delivery of initiatives aligned with NZDF strategies.

This senior role involves thought leadership, influencing senior leaders, and driving tangible outcomes across NZDF. Based in Defence House, Wellington, with flexible working options and national travel as required.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years' senior experience in strategy, innovation, policy, or transformation within complex organisations.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and deliver strategy focused change.
• Strong track record leading complex programmes or innovation-focused portfolios.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills across government, industry and community, with experience building innovation capability.
• A good understanding of emerging technologies (AI, data, automation) and their impact on organisations.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in a related field.
• Certifications in Programme, Project Management, Agile, PROSCI, Design Thinking, or Lean Six Sigma will be highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Strategic innovation management, analysis, and research.
• Leadership, management and coaching.
• Reporting and evaluation.
• Governance and risk management.
• Stakeholder and relationship management.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Program management

Leadership

Innovation management

Policy development

Change management

Agile

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in a related field

Tools

PROSCI

Design Thinking

Lean Six Sigma

Agile methodologies

Project management

Job description

Mo te tunga | About the roleLead the future of innovation.Join NZDF as the Principal Advisor Strategic Innovation, where you'll drive the Innovation Strategy and lead a dynamic Strategic Innovation Programme. In this senior leadership role, you'll identify emerging opportunities, shape the organisations innovation pipeline and support the delivery of initiatives that align with NZDF Strategies.You'll provide thought leadership, champion new ideas, and work across functions and agencies to deliver real impact. From influencing senior leaders to shaping strategic innovation initiatives, you'll play a key role in positioning NZDF for success in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving environment.Key areas of responsibility include:Strategic innovation management, analysis, and researchLeadership, management and coachingReporting and evaluationGovernance and risk managementStakeholder and relationship ManagementMake your mark- Drive tangible outcomes that strengthen organisational capability and position NZDF to be meet future challenges.This role is based in Defence House, Wellington. Once you are inducted and up to speed, there is the option for flexible working arrangements.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.Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and ExperienceKey skills and experience for this position include:8-10 years' senior experience in strategy, innovation, policy, or transformation within complex organisations.Proven ability to influence senior leaders and deliver strategy focused change.Strong track record leading complex programmes or innovation-focused portfolios.Excellent stakeholder engagement skills across government, industry and community, with experience building innovation capability.A good understanding of emerging technologies (AI, data, automation) and their impact on organisations.Relevant tertiary qualification in a related field.Certifications in Programme, Project Management, Agile, PROSCI, Design Thinking, or Lean Six Sigma will be highly regarded.This role requires occasional domestic travel as you will be leading a function area that is delivered in a geographically dispersed way across NZDF's Camps and Bases. You need to have a Class 1 Full Driver's Licence.Nou te rourou | What's in it for youSafeguard 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.Me pehea te tuku tono | How to ApplyApplications close on Tuesday 20 October 2026.Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.Please Note:All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.NZDF Employees/Members - please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.NZDF Contractors - please apply via the Defence Careers website.NZDF Reserves - please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.Please Note: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:Higher Level Security ClearanceYou 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.