Team Leader - Police Vetting Service (6083550)

Team Leader - Vetting

Lead with purpose. Protect what matters. It starts with you!

• Based at PNHQ

• Office of Constable/Police Employee

• Permanent

• NAV

• JR6083550

E tῡ ki te kei o te waka, kia pakia koe e ngā ngaru o te wā.

Stand at the stern of the canoe and feel the spray of the future biting at your face

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Police Vetting Service is a key contributor to the wellbeing of New Zealanders. Our main purpose is to contribute to public safety (particularly the protection of vulnerable members of society), national security, and crime prevention by providing Police vets for employers and others to assess the suitability of individuals where safety and security considerations apply.

We are seeking an inspiring and values-driven leader to step into a pivotal role within our organisation. This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys empowering others, driving meaningful change and delivering outcomes that play a part in keeping New Zealanders safe.

Key Accountabilities:

• Leadership of our organisational priorities and the strategy as captured in Our Business and the enablement of our people to deliver on it.

• Demonstrate a good understanding of relevant legislation, including the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004, the Privacy Act 2020 and the Children’s Act 2014 and the experience applying knowledge when analysing and releasing Police held information would be beneficial.

• Experience leading high-performing teams and workflow management within complex environments.

• Have the critical thinking and problem-solving skills to make sound decisions.

• Develop and maintain a wide range of positive working relationships (internal and external)

• Demonstrate a high level of verbal and written communication – able to effectively communicate with our people, partners, and community.

• Demonstrate flexibility and be adaptive to changing priorities and demands.

• Cultural competence, understanding and empathy.

He aha taau e kawe mai | What you’ll bring

Whilst we are looking for skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the role, we also place high importance on your state of mind, the alignment of your values with ours, your ability to contribute to and build high performing teams, and the way that you lead yourself or others.

As a proven and experienced leader, you will provide strategic direction, drive operational performance, and build high-performing, resilient teams capable of delivering in a complex and evolving environment.

You will foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration, ensuring people feel supported, empowered, and challenged to achieve their best outcomes.

With strong leadership credibility, you will confidently navigate competing priorities, lead through change, and make sound, evidence-based decisions in high-pressure situations.

You will balance technical thinking with practical delivery and bring excellent judgement to complex decisions, and a solutions-focused approach to managing complex issues, while maintaining a clear focus on organisational objectives and stakeholder outcomes.

Key Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence through periods of change, with an agile mindset that embraces innovation, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

• Proven experience building inclusive, high-performing teams by developing capability, fostering engagement, and creating an environment where people can contribute, grow, and succeed.

• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to assess the relevance, integrity, and risk implications of complex information while maintaining strict confidentiality and discretion.

• Commitment to operational excellence, demonstrated through exceptional attention to detail, the ability to manage prolonged periods of complex work, and a strong focus on quality assurance and continuous improvement.

• Resilient and accountable leader who actively seeks feedback, learns from experience, drives performance, and promotes a culture of learning and professional development.

Whakaritenga motuhake | Special requirements

• Current CPK at the rank of the vacancy you are applying for (Constabulary only).

• For both Constabulary & Police Employees:

Agree to enrol in a leadership programme at the advertised level, at a future date or Have qualified under CEP or a previous Career Progression Framework at the level you are applying for.

• This role is based Police National Headquarters, Wellington.

This role is Team Leader level. You can refer to Indicators for Success for further information on the requirements

To view the position description for this role please copy and paste this link into a new browser:

https://www.police.govt.nz/sites/default/files/pd/01-2026/team_leader_-_police_vetting_service.pd

Mo tātou | About us

New Zealand Police is the lead agency responsible for preventing crime and enhancing community safety. It works in partnership with individuals, communities, businesses, and other public sector agencies towards the vision of making New Zealand the safest country. Police is the government’s largest front-line response agency with around 15,000 staff in large and small communities all over New Zealand and in liaison and policing development roles overseas.

Your development is highly valued at NZ Police. Our employees enjoy significant investment in their development not only at an individual level, but also at the team and community practice level. We work hard to match you with work that will both play to your strengths and challenge you in new ways.

The work you’ll be engaged in is real, tangible work that directly benefits our frontline and communities. Taken all together, this means we can offer you career path opportunities to progress in your chosen profession and become a more well-rounded, experienced leader, with opportunities across the range of work we support.

To view more detailed information about our recruitment process along with further details about requirements please click below link:

Applicant Information Pack (External)

Tono ināianei | Apply now

If this position sounds like you, click apply now and submit a tailored CV. You will be required to submit an application form. Before confirmation of hire, pre-employment checks will be undertaken which include reference, drug and alcohol testing and police vetting prior to any written offer being made.

For further information on the application process, please copy and paste this URL: https://www.police.govt.nz/careers

All applications must be submitted online and will not be accepted directly via email. All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.

Utu ā-tau | Salary

This position is covered by a collective agreement and salary will commence between $103,836 and $124,323 dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role.

If you are an internal applicant, you must apply internally through the police system. You must provide an alternative contact email address and state your future commitments should you be successful in the next stage of the recruitment process.

Please note: Deadline for applications is 5:00 pm on Friday 30th October 2026. Applications may be reviewed prior to the close date as well as contact made with candidates.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact kiri.croasdale@police.govt.nz