Mō te tūnga | About the role
We're looking for an experienced Quality Manager to provide strategic leadership of quality systems, compliance, assurance and continuous improvement functions across NZDF's aviation maintenance and logistics operations. As part of the RNZAF logistics and maintenance leadership team, you'll work closely with senior leaders and technical specialists to ensure quality systems remain effective, regulatory obligations are met, and a culture of continuous improvement is embedded throughout the organisation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with organisational and regulatory requirements.
- Deliver quality assurance activities, including audits, investigations, and corrective action programmes.
- Provide expert advice to leaders on quality, risk, governance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Monitor quality performance, identify trends, and recommend improvements to processes and systems.
- Develop and maintain quality policies, procedures, standards, and training programmes.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support operational excellence.
This role can be based at RNZAF Base Auckland (Whenuapai) or RNZAF Base Ohakea.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience
We're looking for an experienced quality professional who can provide strategic leadership while maintaining a practical approach to quality assurance, compliance, and continuous improvement.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
- Significant experience in quality management, assurance, compliance, or continuous improvement within a regulated environment.
- Strong knowledge of quality management systems, auditing principles, and risk management practices.
- Proven ability to investigate issues, identify root causes, and implement sustainable solutions.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence, coach, and advise leaders at all levels.
- Demonstrated leadership capability, including driving change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- A relevant qualification in quality, engineering, aviation, business, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
No candidate is expected to meet every desired skill or experience listed. If your background differs from what we've outlined but you believe you can contribute to the role, we encourage you to apply.
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 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 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.
