Group Manager Policy (5-month secondment / fixed term opportunity) at New Zealand Customs Service, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Acting at Tier 3 / Group Manager level
• Working directly with the DCE and executive team
• Supporting Ministers and Customs Executive through a change of government
• Leading a significant policy programme
• Gaining cross-agency and governance exposure

We are seeking an experienced senior policy leader to take up a five-month inter‑agency secondment or fixed‑term contract as Group Manager Policy, leading the policy function through an incoming government and a period of sustained, high‑priority delivery. This role will be based in Wellington and will report directly to the Deputy Chief Executive, Policy, Legal and Strategy.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi

This role will suit an experienced policy leader seeking a short‑term secondment opportunity at Group Manager level. This Tier 3 position will provide strategic leadership across the policy function, ensuring the delivery of robust, timely and well‑evidenced policy advice to Ministers and senior leaders.

You will be responsible for leading policy work end‑to‑end — from early problem definition and policy design through to Cabinet and Ministerial decision‑making and implementation planning. The role involves close engagement with Ministers’ offices, central agencies, Customs Operations and key stakeholders across the public sector.

The secondment offers the opportunity to lead a busy policy team and a significant programme of work, while working closely with the DCE and executive team to support engagement with Ministers and the Government following an election.

You will need to be comfortable operating at pace, balancing multiple priorities, and supporting your leadership team to deliver to high standards.

About you | Ko wai koe

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate…

• Strong policy leadership experience, including leading teams of managers and senior policy practitioners and coaching, performance management and building leadership capability.
• Proven experience working with and liaising with Ministers, Ministers’ offices, and senior officials.
• A track record of leading policy work from start to finish, including:
• policy design and options development
• Cabinet and Ministerial papers
• advice on implementation and delivery
• The ability to operate confidently in complex, politically sensitive environments.
• Strong people leadership capability, including coaching, performance management and developing future leaders.
• Excellent judgement, communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Well-developed people leadership capability,

Why consider this opportunity

• A rare opportunity to lead at Group Manager level in a high‑impact policy role.
• Build experience at Tier 3 in a senior public sector policy role.
• Work directly with senior leaders on high-priority issues.
• Strengthen Ministerial, Cabinet, and cross-agency experience.
• Lead through a period of transition and high delivery expectations.

To work for Customs, 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 five years. Any exceptions to this will need to be discussed with recruitment to assess whether you will still be eligible to meet the Organisation's Security Clearance application criteria).

How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru

To express your interest online please apply now by submitting a CV and cover letter that demonstrates your ability to meet the competencies required for the role as outlined in the position description. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Suzanne Leahy (Senior Recruitment Advisor) at suzanne.leahy@customs.govt.nz

If you are interested in a secondment, please discuss this with your manager before applying to confirm their support for your release during the secondment period.

Applications close 11pm, Thursday 8 October 2026.

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 offer flexible working arrangements.