Workforce Manager

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The New Zealand Defence Force is seeking an experienced Workforce Manager to support the planning, development and readiness of the Cyber workforce.

Cyber capabilities play an increasingly important role in enabling military operations, protecting information, understanding the information environment, and supporting decision-making across Defence.

Working within the Director Information Warfare Integration function, you will partner with stakeholders across Defence to support workforce planning, talent pathways and workforce readiness across Cyber capabilities.

This is an exceptional opportunity to provide strategic workforce advice, contribute to long term workforce planning, and support capability outcomes across a critical operational domain.

This will include:

• Supporting workforce strategy, planning and governance for the Cyber capabilities.
• Developing workforce frameworks, career pathways and training pipelines.
• Leading workforce planning, forecasting, analytics and workforce reporting.
• Identifying future workforce requirements and capability gaps.
• Partnering with stakeholders to strengthen workforce readiness and talent pipelines.
• Providing workforce advice and recommendations to senior leaders and governance forums.

Applications may be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

You will be a strategic and collaborative professional with experience in workforce planning, capability development, organisational design, workforce strategy or related disciplines.

You will be comfortable working across complex stakeholder environments, translating workforce challenges into practical solutions, and providing informed advice to senior decision makers.

You will bring:

• Experience in workforce strategy, workforce planning or capability development
• Strong analytical capability, including workforce modelling and forecasting
• Experience developing workforce frameworks, policies or governance approaches
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Experience supporting workforce planning, career pathways, workforce systems or talent development initiatives within complex organisations
• Experience working across complex organisational environments
• Strong communication, influencing and problem solving skills
• Experience in cyber, ICT, Defence or related environments desirable
• Relevant qualifications or professional certifications advantageous

No candidate is expected to meet every desired skill / experience listed. If your background differs from what we’ve outlined but you believe you can contribute to the role, we encourage you to apply.

This role may require occasional travel to support operational and business requirements.

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 Tuesday 1 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.