Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Mō te tūnga | About the role
The purpose of the Capability Branch is to provide efficient and effective management of NZDF capability development and delivery as well as provide capability management oversight. All of these contribute significantly to the total NZDF capability lifecycle. Capability Branch provides a single point of accountability for these elements and delivers outputs that enable the delivery of joint effects. Capability Branch fosters contemporary military specialist knowledge and future thinking, operates using project and financial management disciplines and provides programme and project quality assurance oversight.
You will be responsible for the effective management of staff who plan business change and through-life support of projects that help the NZ Army. You will follow well-defined and established processes set out in the Capability Management Framework. You will support Capability Branch and NZ Army with technical oversight of landworthiness, operational test and evaluation, and safety and risk management processes.
Key deliverables include:
- Providing technical leadership and assurance to enable business change within the land domain to support the NZ Army.
- Producing Land Capability Integration strategy and plans, including all documentation specified by Capability Branch processes.
- Supporting equipment lifecycles and sustainability through the established ILS framework.
- Assisting with landworthiness processes and procedures.
- Communicating, engaging and consulting with key capability stakeholders to achieve business results.
- Leading groups of people through motivation, guidance and coaching.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience
You will be an experienced leader with proven experience effectively managing technical teams and experts. You will be working with a wide variety of stakeholders and partners to deliver results; so your interpersonal skills, including influence and engagement, will be key to your success.
You will also bring:
- Proven project management experience including familiarity with project management methodologies.
- Experience making strategic decisions considering possible implications.
- Strong investigative, evaluative and adaptive thinking skills with an ability to critically analyse complex information and make effective recommendations.
Ideally, you will bring knowledge and understanding of NZDF and its complexities, but this is not essential.
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 14 August 2025.
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.