Occupational Health Risk Manager

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As the Occupational Health Risk Manager, you will be the senior technical advisor for occupational health within the New Zealand Defence Force, providing specialist leadership, governance, and strategic advice across Joint Support Group and wider NZDF. Working closely with senior military and civilian leaders, you will influence organisational decision-making, drive occupational health initiatives, and ensure compliance with New Zealand legislation and best practice standards.

This is a highly influential role for an experienced occupational health professional who enjoys operating at both strategic and operational levels. You will lead the implementation of health programmes, contribute to Defence wide health and safety outcomes, and represent NZDF in national and international occupational health forums.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing expert occupational health advice to senior leaders across NZDF.
• Leading occupational health governance, policy implementation, and assurance activities.
• Monitoring compliance health legislation, standards, and Defence policies.
• Delivering occupational health programmes, training initiatives, and professional guidance.
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to improve occupational health outcomes.

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

To be successful in this role, you will be a senior occupational health practitioner with extensive experience providing specialist advice in complex organisations. You will bring strong analytical capability, sound judgement, and the ability to communicate technical information to a diverse range of audiences.

You will have a proven ability to influence stakeholders, drive continuous improvement, and promote best practice occupational health outcomes. Experience working in Defence, health, governance, or similarly complex operational environments will be highly advantageous.

You will bring:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in occupational health, occupational medicine, or a related discipline.
• At least five years post graduate experience in occupational health or a closely related field.
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand workplace health and safety legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated experience providing strategic advice, governance, and leadership in complex environments.
• Excellent communications, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management skills.

This role requires occasional domestic travel across NZDF’s Camps and Bases.

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 26 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.