Team Leader - Logistics Data & Equipment Codification

New Zealand Defence Force; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Fully funded life cover

Critical illness protection

Discounted additional insurances

Free will services

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force in Trentham, North Island, is seeking a Team Leader Codification Operations to lead a small specialist team delivering high-quality codification services aligned to the NATO Codification System. You will combine technical expertise, data management and leadership to support operations, procurement and sustainment.

You will work with NZDF stakeholders, industry and international partners, provide expert advice, ensure data integrity across SAP and other systems, and

Qualifications

• Proven leadership with ability to guide, develop and support a technical team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing team delivering codification services and capability development.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Technical data interpretation

SAP experience

Inventory systems

Master data platforms

Supply chain knowledge

Education

Technical or engineering background

Tools

SAP

Inventory systems

Master data platforms

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 – Trentham, North Island

Join more than 15,000 New Zealanders working for the New Zealand Defence Force and directly contribute to the defence, security and well-being of Aotearoa New Zealand.

You will be part of Defence Supply Chain Management, Defence Logistics Command, within the National Codification Bureau, playing a critical role in how NZDF equipment and assets are identified, catalogued and classified. This function underpins Defence Capability – ensuring the right data is in place to support operations, procurement, and sustainment across New Zealand and internationally.

As the Team Leader Codification Operations, you will lead a small, specialist team responsible for delivering high-quality codification services aligned to the NATO Codification System. This is a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise, data management, and leadership in a role that has real operational impact.

Working closely with stakeholders across NZDF, industry, and overseas partners, you will provide technical advice, maintain system and data integrity, and drive continuous improvement across codification systems and processes.

Key responsibilities for this role include:

• Leading and developing a high-performing team, ensuring effective delivery of codification services and ongoing capability development
• Overseeing the classification and cataloguing of equipment and parts, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with NATO standards
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with NZDF stakeholders, industry suppliers, and international partners
• Providing expert technical advice and resolving complex codification and data challenges
• Ensuring alignment and integrity of data across systems, including integration with SAP logistics data
• Driving improvements to processes, systems, and standards to enhance data quality and operational effectiveness
• Delivering upskilling and training on the NATO Codification System

We’re looking for a technically capable leader who is comfortable working in complex, detail-focused environments and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Bring proven leadership experience, with the ability to guide, develop, and support a technical team
• Demonstrate strong communication and relationship management skills across technical and non-technical audiences
• Have highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail
• Be confident interpreting and applying complex technical information and documentation
• Have a technical or engineering background (trade, logistics, or equivalent experience)
• Bring experience working with systems such as SAP, inventory, or master data platforms
• Have experience working in supply chain, logistics, engineering support, or asset-intensive environments
• Have the opportunity for personal and professional development including role specific and leadership progression

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

• Competitive pay matched to your experience
• Fully funded life cover of up to $300,000
• Critical illness protection
• Discounted additional insurances
• Free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community
• Expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services

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.

Please Note: The formal title for this role within NZDF is Team Leader Codification Operations.

Applications close on Monday 7 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.