Executive Office Manager

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As the Executive Office Manager, you'll provide high-level support to the Defence Logistics Commander (Land), ensuring the smooth coordination of diaries, travel, meetings, governance activities, and day-to-day priorities. You'll also lead a team of three administration staff and oversee reception and office support services for the Messines Defence Centre and Conference Centre , a busy site supporting more than 250 personnel.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage the Defence Logistics Commander (Land)'s calendar, diary, travel arrangements, and executive priorities
• Lead, coach, and coordinate a team of three administration staff
• Attend governance and leadership meetings, prepare meeting papers, take minutes, and track follow-up actions
• Oversee reception, visitor management, and front-of-house operations for the Messines Defence Centre
• Organise conferences, seminars, official functions, and catering requirements

The salary for this role ranges from $83,507 - $92,111, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.

Please Note: The formal title for this role within NZDF is Executive Staff Officer to Defence Logistics Commander Land.

Applications may be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We're looking for an experienced executive support professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys being the person who keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. You'll bring strong organisational and leadership skills, the ability to manage competing priorities, and confidence working with senior stakeholders while leading a small team.

You will also bring:

• 3+ years’ proven experience providing executive or personal assistant support to senior leaders
• Previous people leadership experience, with the ability to coach, mentor and manage a small administration team
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• High levels of professionalism, discretion and judgement when handling sensitive or confidential information

This role requires occasional domestic travel. 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

Applications close on Monday 12 October 2026.

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.
• 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.

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.