Equipment Manager Combat Engineer & CBRNE

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Join the Defence Equipment Management Organisation (DEMO) and play a vital role in ensuring the New Zealand Defence Force has the equipment needed to support its Combat Engineer capability. As an Equipment Manager, you’ll oversee the day-to-day management of a diverse and technically varied equipment portfolio, ranging from equipment plant such as bulldozers and excavators, through to Fire Appliances, as well as specialist equipment used by our Explosive Ordinance Disposal teams, including bomb disposal robots, chemical agent detectors and monitors. You’ll be responsible for managing equipment throughout its entire lifecycle, from acquisition and introduction into service through to maintenance, replacement and disposal.

This is a highly varied role where you’ll work closely with military personnel, suppliers, contractors and subject experts to deliver practical equipment management solutions. You’ll contribute to procurement activities, support budget planning, investigating equipment issues, develop policy and documentation, and provide advice that helps ensure critical equipment remains available, safe and fit for purpose. No two days are the same in this dynamic environment where your work directly supports NZDF operational readiness.

In this role, you will:

• Manage a diverse portfolio of Combat Engineer equipment through its full lifecycle.
• Provide equipment management advice from acquisition through to disposal.
• Investigate equipment issues and contribute to practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Support procurement activities, budgeting, contract management and tender documentation.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across NZDF, industry and suppliers.

We are a great bunch of people who manage equipment that is critical to New Zealand's defence. We are committed to building a DEMO culture where we strive to be better every day, inspire others to succeed and are proud of the work we do for New Zealand. Our Recognition and Rewards programme creates an environment where employees feel valued, appreciated and inspired to do their best. We have a leadership team committed to the development of our people and you will find that learning opportunities abound at DEMO. Combined with a calendar of cultural events, DEMO offers a great work environment where you can realise your full potential.

The salary for this role ranges from $97,344 -$107,485, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.

Please Note: The formal title for this role within NZDF is Equipment Manager Combat Engineer & Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, & Explosives (CBRNE).

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We’re looking for a confident and tactful communicator, who can build credibility with stakeholders and senior leaders across a complex organisation. You will bring significant experience in equipment, asset, fleet, supply chain, or Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) management, with the ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels. Using strong analytical skills, you’ll be comfortable interpreting data, identifying opportunities for improvement, and delivering practical, business focused outcomes.

Experience managing complex engineering, operational or safety critical equipment within defence, emergency services, infrastructure, utilities or similar environments would be highly regarded.

We are looking for someone with:

• Demonstrated expertise in the lifecycle management of equipment, assets, fleets, or logistics support systems.
• Strong stakeholder, contract, vendor, and relationship management skills.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Knowledge of asset management, engineering management, or ERP systems such as SAP.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in logistics, supply management, engineering, asset management, or related equipment.
• An understanding of military logistics is desirable.

Please note: The successful person must hold a full New Zealand Drivers Licence, with the ability to travel domestically.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

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 Monday 14 September 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.