Senior Executive Assistant

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As our Senior Executive Assistant, you will provide high-quality executive support to the Assistant Chief Capability Branch.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Executive Assistant who is ready to take the next step into a Senior Executive Assistant role. Supporting a senior leader in a complex and high-profile environment, you'll play a key role in enabling effective leadership across the Capability Branch.

Working within an established executive support team, you'll build strong relationships across NZDF and provide trusted support that helps keep priorities on track and business running smoothly.

In this role, you'll:

• Manage a complex diary, travel arrangements, correspondence and competing priorities.
• Coordinate meetings, briefings and executive documentation to support informed decision-making.
• Monitor actions and commitments, ensuring deadlines and deliverables are met.
• Build strong working relationships with senior leaders, government agencies and key stakeholders.
• Anticipate the needs of the Assistant Chief and provide proactive, solutions-focused support.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

Capability Branch is responsible for the planning, development and delivery of NZDF capability. This work helps ensure NZDF personnel have the equipment, systems and resources needed to deliver operational outcomes for New Zealand, making this an opportunity to contribute to work that is both meaningful and strategically important.

As this role provides direct, in-person support to senior leaders, stakeholders and visitors, it is an office-based position and does not offer regular work-from-home arrangements.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role, you'll bring proven Executive Assistant experience and a track record of providing high-quality support to senior leaders in a fast-paced environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced EA who is ready to take the next step into a Senior Executive Assistant role and further develop their capability within a complex organisation.

You will also bring:

• Proven experience providing Executive Assistant or senior administrative support to senior leaders within a complex organisation.
• Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, coordinate multiple tasks and consistently meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Sound judgement, professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, combined with a proactive and adaptable approach to delivering high-quality support.

The salary band for this role starts at $78,838 to $87,477 inclusive of the 4% employer superannuation contribution.

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 Thursday 26 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.