Senior Security Specialist - Cyber Assurance

Bank of New Zealand; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Wellbeing support

Flexible working

Job summary

Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) is seeking a seasoned Cyber Security Specialist to lead container security and secure software delivery. The role blends hands-on analysis with mentoring, strategic guidance and SDLC-wide security oversight.

Based in Auckland or Wellington, this hybrid position requires three days in the office (Mon, Tue, Thu) and two flexible days. You will drive modernization of security testing, coach junior staff and partner with development teams to reduce risk.

Qualifications

• Seasoned cyber security specialist with container security expertise.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to mentor staff and lead by example.

Responsibilities

• Drive culture shift by embedding security in the SDLC.
• Oversight and mentoring for the Application Security team.
• Develop and improve software testing and enable automation.
• Provide direction to development teams on security test findings.
• Facilitate security code reviews and testing across BNZ applications.
• Communicate security findings to stakeholders from GM level down.
• Lead by example while conducting scans and reports as needed.

Skills

Container Security

Cyber Security

Security Testing

Communication skills

Mentoring

Job description

Here at BNZ, it's about more than just banking. We work together in an agile, energising environment to create innovative solutions through our promise "If you can imagine a better future, let's find a way."

We support wellbeing, flexible working and have a generous leave offering. There is the opportunity for growth, learning and career development. No two days are the same.

BNZ's Cyber Assurance is a high performing tīma (team) who are focused on protecting BNZ's information, customers and employees. We're investing in people, processes and innovative tools so that we can deliver on ensuring BNZ is a Bank that New Zealanders can Trust.

This role can be based in Auckland or Wellington and is a hybrid position with three days in the office and two where you can work flexibly. Anchor days in the office are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Mō te Tūranga | About the Role

We sat down with the People Leader (who you’ll report to) and they told us the following about the role:

What are the day-to-day tasks the person in this role will complete?

• Drive culture shift through BNZ’s development and project teams by making security an integral part of the SDLC.
• Oversight, and mentoring including coaching, task allocation and workload monitoring for the Application Security team.
• Actively work to develop and improve the Bank’s software testing programme to drive efficiencies through automation and take advantage of new capabilities and technologies.
• Provide direction and consultation to BNZ’s development teams to assist in the understanding and remediation of security test findings to influence change and impact the security posture of the Bank.
• Facilitate software code reviews and security testing of BNZ applications ensuring these are completed and an integral part of SDLC.
• Interpret technical security test findings and communicate the potential business impact of these to key stakeholders and colleagues, from a GM level down.
• Use excellent communication skills to articulate technical security vulnerabilities and recommendations in a business context, whilst leading highly skilled teams (No direct reports) to deliver change securely.

What is the team culture and environment like?

We are a supportive tīma with a wide range of pūkenga (skills) and experience. We love creative thinkers and problem solvers, and we like sharing what we've done within and outside the tīma.

What projects / work will the candidate be working on now and into the next year?

This is a very rare opportunity – you will help uplift the K8’s and Container Security capability within the cybersecurity function at BNZ. Application & Container Security has been called out as a Big Rock and you will be defining requirements, assisting with strategy and mentoring junior staff, as well as overseeing our Application & Container Security Modernization programme and feeding into related activities.

What is the most exciting thing about this opportunity?

BNZ is investing heavily in Cyber Protection capabilities. This tīma is a great place to be if you like to be on the cutting edge of cyber security, develop new skills and shape the future of offensive security activities at BNZ.

What technical skills are required for this role?

We need a seasoned Cyber Security Specialist who not only knows all the tools and tactics but has a good understanding of how to run a successful Container Security practice. Top-tier written and verbal communication skills are a must, as well as a customer-first, positive attitude and the ability to think strategically. You’ll need to lead by example, mentoring and coaching junior staff as well as mucking in and conducting scans & reports yourself as required.

What is your favourite thing about working for BNZ?

We have a high level of cyber awareness across the organisation, and a directive from Exec level to enact change. The intra and inter-team collaboration and cooperation is at a high level, and we have a track record of delivering positive outcomes.

What attributes will this person display in to be successful in this role?

This is a broad role with a mix of responsibilities and would suit someone with a combination of skills. Your ability to communicate with your team and stakeholders at all levels is as important as your technical knowledge.

PLEASE NOTE:

Applications for this role close Sunday 11 October at 11pm.

Nau Mai ki te Pēke o Aotearoa | Come to the Bank of New Zealand

This is an exciting opportunity to join us! We're bold thinkers who are taking brave steps to create a company that people want to work for, and customers want to bank with. If you're ready to join a fun organisation where we are proud of our culture and how we are helping New Zealander's to 'Find their way', then.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, amma he toa takitini" - Success is not the work of an individual, but the work of many.”

Closing Date: 11 October 2026

Applications will be reviewed regularly across the advertising period, but we do reserve the right to close applications early.