Senior Ops Leader - National Security & Border Readiness

NZ Customs; Wellington; On-site; NZD 273,000 - 314,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Zealand Customs Service is seeking a senior operational leader to join its Operations Management Team as Assistant Comptroller, National Security and Operational Readiness. Based in Wellington, this role shapes readiness to meet national security threats and to modernise border capability.

You will lead engagement with national security partners, direct investment and capability development, and ensure the workforce, technology and data support frontline operations.

Qualifications

• Top Secret security clearance required.
• Wellington-based role with senior leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead Customs’ contribution to New Zealand’s national security system, including engagement, operational response and emergency management preparedness.
• Maintain effective relationships and alignment with central agencies and national security partners.
• Provide direction and assurance across innovation, investment, and capability development initiatives, ensuring proposals are evidence-based, well scoped and deliverable in frontline environments.
• Ensure response teams can rapidly support operational pressures, and that Customs has the operational workforce required.

Skills

Top Secret clearance

Job description

The New Zealand Customs Service is seeking a senior operational leader to join its Operations Management Team as Assistant Comptroller, National Security and Operational Readiness. Based in Wellington, this role shapes readiness to meet national security threats and to modernise border capability.

You will lead engagement with national security partners, direct investment and capability development, and ensure the workforce, technology and data support frontline operations.