Senior Executive Assistant

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Senior Executive Assistant to provide executive support to the Chief People Officer (CPO), a member of the NZDF Executive responsible for leading People and Culture services across the New Zealand Defence Force.

This pivotal position sits within the People Capability Portfolio and works closely with the Chief People Officer, Chief of Staff, Command Warrant Officer and senior leaders across NZDF. You will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of the CPO's office and enabling effective leadership across a complex and dynamic organisation.

Operating within a strategic environment, you will build strong relationships across government, international military organisations and key stakeholders while maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, discretion and judgement.

In this role, you will:

• Manage a complex executive diary, inbox and competing priorities.
• Coordinate travel, meetings, briefings and executive engagements.
• Prepare briefing packs, reports and executive correspondence.
• Monitor actions and commitments to ensure timely delivery.
• Coordinate high-level events, functions and stakeholder engagements.
• Build effective relationships across NZDF and external networks.
• Provide trusted advice and proactive support to the CPO.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

As this role provides direct support to a senior executive, it is primarily office-based and requires a strong on-site presence.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

To succeed in this role, you will be a seasoned Executive Assistant with experience supporting senior leaders in a complex organisation. You will demonstrate exceptional organisational skills, sound judgement and the ability to anticipate needs while managing competing priorities.

You will also bring:

• Significant experience supporting senior executives or leaders.
• Proven ability to manage complex diaries and executive workloads.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
• Outstanding organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement.
• A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and engaging confidently with stakeholders at all levels, including senior executives, government agencies and external organisations.

The salary range for this role is $78,838 - $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 12 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.