Manager, Strategic People Policy

Mō te tūnga | About the role

People Capability Portfolio (PCP) is responsible for delivering a range of people related activities that support the management of both military and civilian workforce populations. These include all aspects of key people policies to ensure NZDF meets all operational outputs.

As Manager Strategic People Policy, you’ll lead a specialist team responsible for shaping the strategic policy framework that supports NZDF’s workforce and operational capability. Reporting to the Assistant Chief People Strategy, you’ll work alongside senior military leaders, Service Chiefs and executive stakeholders to delivery policy solutions that enable NZDF to meet both current and future challenges.

This is an opportunity to influence organisational-wide outcomes at a pivotal time. You’ll lead the ongoing development of NZDF’s strategic people policy programme, including policy modernisation, secondary legislation priorities, and the introduction of more evidence-based approaches to policy development and decision-making. You’ll also lead and develop a high-performing team of policy professionals.

Start 2027 with a fresh challenge and join our team from mid-January and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We're looking for a strategic and commercially minded people leader who can operate confidently in a complex environment, build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, and translate strategic intent into practical policy outcomes. You'll bring a track record of leading teams, influencing at executive level, and delivering high-quality policy advice that drives organisational impact.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading policy development and delivery within a complex organisation.
• Proven success leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Exceptional relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and navigate competing priorities.
• Strong understanding of the Machinery of Government and the broader public sector environment.
• Experience translating strategy into actionable work programmes and measurable outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to provide authoritative advice and prepare high-quality briefing material.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience.

The salary range for this role is $138,111 to $160,154, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Starting salary will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Nōu te rourou | 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 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 Wednesday 25 November 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 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.

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.