Assistant Equipment Managers

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The New Zealand Defence Force is seeking four Assistant Equipment Managers to join the Defence Equipment Management Organisation (DEMO) based at Trentham, Upper Hutt. These positions are predominately office based and play a critical role in supporting the through-life management of specialist equipment and fleets applying Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) principles to ensure they remain safe, fit for purpose for the end user to achieve NZDF outputs.

Working in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, you will provide equipment management support, coordinate maintenance and logistics activities, contribute to strategic fleet planning, and work closely with military personnel, technical specialists, suppliers and industry partners. Whether your expertise lies in vehicles, specialist response equipment or capability sustainment, you will help support operational readiness across a diverse range of NZDF outputs.

Assistant Equipment Manager opportunities are available for experienced professionals in:

· CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear & Explosive): Support specialist operational equipment including portable X-ray systems, detection and monitoring equipment, respirators, breathing apparatus and remotely operated vehicles. This role helps ensure highly specialised response capabilities remain operational and ready for deployment.

· Medium & Heavy Vehicles: Support the management and sustainment of approximately 200 medium and heavy operational vehicles, telehandlers and trailers. You will work closely with stakeholders to ensure vehicle availability, maintenance planning and fleet performance.

· Protected Mobility: Support NZDF's fleet of protected and light vehicles used across operational, logistics and command environments. You will support fleet sustainment activities and contribute to the safe and effective management of these critical capabilities.

· STANO (Surveillance, Target Acquisition & Night Observation): Support specialist surveillance and observation equipment used across Defence operations. This role focuses on maintaining capability readiness through effective equipment, logistics and lifecycle management.

What you’ll be doing:

• Supporting the lifecycle management of critical equipment fleets.
• Coordinating maintenance, repair and sustainment activities.
• Analysing fleet data and preparing reports and recommendations.
• Working with internal stakeholders, suppliers and industry partners.
• Contributing to strategic planning, procurement and capability projects.

These positions play a critical role in ensuring NZDF equipment and systems remain safe, capable, fit for purpose, and ready to support operational and garrison requirements.

We are a great team of people who support equipment that is critical to New Zealand's defence. We are committed to building a DEMO culture where we strive to be better every day, inspire others to succeed and are proud of the work we do for New Zealand. Our Recognition and Rewards programme creates an environment where employees feel valued, appreciated and inspired to do their best. We have a leadership team committed to the development of our people and you will find that learning opportunities abound at DEMO. Combined with a calendar of cultural events, DEMO offers a great work environment where you can realise your full potential.

The salary range for this role is $83,507 - $96,413, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Starting salaries reflect skills and experience relevant to the role, with offers generally made between $83,507 and $92,111.

Please Note: The formal title for each position is Assistant Equipment Manager PCMP, Assistant Equipment Manager CBRNE, Assistant Equipment Manager Mdm/Hvy Veh, and Assistant Equipment Manager STANO.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We’re looking for organised and analytical professionals who can build strong working relationships and confidently coordinate multiple priorities. You’ll enjoy working with technical equipment, logistics systems and diverse stakeholders while contributing to outcomes that directly support operational capability.

Experience in logistics, asset management, fleet management, engineering support or supply chain environments will be highly regarded. You’ll bring strong attention to detail, sound judgement and a proactive approach to problem solving in a complex operational setting.

You'll ideally bring:

• Experience in logistics, asset, fleet or supply chain management.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to analyse information and identify practical solutions.
• Experience using ERP systems, preferably SAP, and Microsoft Excel.

If you are looking for a role where your work directly supports New Zealand Defence Force capability, and you enjoy solving complex logistics and equipment challenges, we’d love to hear from you.

This role requires occasional domestic travel across NZDF’s Camps and Bases. International travel may be required on rare occasions for some roles, therefore applicants must hold a valid passport. You need to have a Class 1 Full Driver’s Licence.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Safeguard 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 pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

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.

To view the Position Description and to Apply, please use the links on this page.

• Please note:Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.
• If you are an existing NZDF employee (excluding contractors) you must apply through our Internal Vacancies site, via the HR Toolkit.

Applications close on Monday 30 November 2026.

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 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 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.