Team Leader - Logistics Data & Equipment Codification

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover up to $300,000

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Savings schemes

Mortgage broker services

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is seeking a Team Leader Codification Operations within Defence Supply Chain Management. You will lead a specialist team responsible for delivering high-quality codification services aligned to the NATO Codification System, working with NZDF stakeholders, industry, and international partners to ensure data integrity across systems including SAP logistics data.

The role combines technical data management and leadership, offering opportunities for professional

Qualifications

• Leadership experience guiding a technical team.
• Strong communication across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex technical information and documentation.
• Technical or engineering background (trade, logistics, or equivalent).
• Experience with SAP, inventory or master data platforms.
• Experience in supply chain, logistics, or asset-intensive environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing team delivering codification services.
• Oversee classification and cataloguing of equipment; ensure accuracy and NATO compliance.
• Build/maintain relations with NZDF, industry, and international partners.
• Provide expert technical advice and resolve complex codification/data challenges.
• Ensure data integrity across systems; integrate with SAP logistics data.
• Drive process and system improvements to enhance data quality and operations.
• Deliver upskilling and training on the NATO Codification System.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Technical background

SAP / data systems

Supply chain experience

Education

Technical degree or engineering background

Tools

SAP

Inventory systems

Master data platforms

Job description

About the role

Mō te tūnga | About the roleJoin 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

• 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

Skills and experience

• 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

What’s in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning - safeguard your loved ones with 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.

Applications close on Monday 7 September 2026.

Eligibility/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 NewZealand 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.