Team Leader - Logistics Data & Equipment Codification

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Join more than 15,000 New Zealanders working for the New Zealand Defence Force and directly contribute to the defence, security and well-being of Aotearoa New Zealand.

You will be part of Defence Supply Chain Management, Defence Logistics Command, within the National Codification Bureau, playing a critical role in how NZDF equipment and assets are identified, catalogued and classified. This function underpins Defence Capability – ensuring the right data is in place to support operations, procurement, and sustainment across New Zealand and internationally.

As the Team Leader Codification Operations, you will lead a small, specialist team responsible for delivering high-quality codification services aligned to the NATO Codification System. This is a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise, data management, and leadership in a role that has real operational impact.

Working closely with stakeholders across NZDF, industry, and overseas partners, you will provide technical advice, maintain system and data integrity, and drive continuous improvement across codification systems and processes.

Key responsibilities for this role include:

• Leading and developing a high-performing team, ensuring effective delivery of codification services and ongoing capability development
• Overseeing the classification and cataloguing of equipment and parts, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with NATO standards
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with NZDF stakeholders, industry suppliers, and international partners
• Providing expert technical advice and resolving complex codification and data challenges
• Ensuring alignment and integrity of data across systems, including integration with SAP logistics data
• Driving improvements to processes, systems, and standards to enhance data quality and operational effectiveness
• Delivering upskilling and training on the NATO Codification System

Please Note: The formal title for this role within NZDF is Team Leader Codification Operations.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We’re looking for a technically capable leader who is comfortable working in complex, detail-focused environments and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. You will bring strong analytical thinking, a systems mindset, and the ability to lead a specialist team.

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Bring proven leadership experience, with the ability to guide, develop, and support a technical team
• Demonstrate strong communication and relationship management skills across technical and non-technical audiences
• Have highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail
• Be confident interpreting and applying complex technical information and documentation
• Have a technical or engineering background (trade, logistics, or equivalent experience)
• Bring experience working with systems such as SAP, inventory, or master data platforms
• Have experience working in supply chain, logistics, engineering support, or asset-intensive environments
• Have the opportunity for personal and professional development including role specific and leadership progression

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 Monday 7 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:

Low 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 five (5) years.
• You must have a five (5) 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.