Manager - Operations Support - Intelligence, Investigations and Enforcement
Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Interested in leading a team that provides specialist capabilities and resources across all of Customs operations?
About the role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi…
The New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa protects New Zealand's border using world-class tools, world-class people and innovative approaches.
The Intelligence, Investigations and Enforcement (II&E) Group's mission is to protect the integrity of New Zealand's border system. With changing passenger and cargo volumes, as well as stakeholder expectations, the group is flexible and agile so that it can adapt to new technology and ways of working. We operate in a unique "live" environment, that is fast-paced, dynamic and no two days are the same.
Within II&E, we are seeking an exceptional people leader to be appointed to the role of Manager Operations Support. The successful applicant is a member of the II&E Leadership Team that provides niche capabilities across all of Customs including Customs Technical Unit (CTU), Customs Surveillance Unit (CSU), Human Source Unit (HSU), Electronic Forensics Unit (EFU) and Detector Dog Unit (DDU).
This role is based in Auckland with a salary range of $170,891 - $231,205. Competent salary point for the role is $201,048.
About you | Ko wai koe…
You will be an influential leader that understands exploring opportunities to enhance efficiencies and effectiveness in and across the specialist work areas.
You will have strong problem solving and decision-making capabilities with the ability to mitigate risks effectively. Having excellent interpersonal skills, using both verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, to ensure clarity of message and achieve the desired result are essential.
You will have:
- strong skills and experience in leading highly effective and efficient teams
- extensive experience in developing niche capabilities and tradecraft to meet future operational demands
- the ability to deliver operational requirements for Customs and ensure supporting systems and processes run smoothly
- strong influencing skills to continually improve and drive key relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Requirements to apply | Ngā paearu hei tono
To work for the New Zealand Customs Service in this role, you must be able to meet the following requirements:
- Be a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident
- Residing in New Zealand at the time of application
- Have resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 10 years*
- Must have a clear Police record and be able to obtain an Organisational Security Clearance
- Full New Zealand drivers licence
- Ability to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET* security clearance
Already having a TOP SECRET clearance is a benefit, but not a requirement. We'll guide you through the process.
You will also be asked to complete a medical assessment and drug test.
(*) If you are a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 10 years but have been absent from New Zealand for periods of 6-9 months within the past 10 years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA then you may still meet the requirements for a clearance. You will be required to provide overseas Police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.
How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru
Please apply online. You will be asked to outline your interest in working for Customs along with your relevant skills and experience. There will also be some competency-based questions. It is best to set aside some time to apply where you won't be interrupted.
If shortlisted, you will be required to take a psychometric assessment.
If you have any queries, please contact Jasmine at recruitment@customs.govt.nz
Applications close at 5pm on Friday 29 August 2025.
New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. We also support flexible working arrangements.