Project Delivery Team Leader at NZ Defence Force, Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Defence Estate and Infrastructure provides, maintains and enhances land and infrastructure assets to support NZDF military capabilities and all of government outcomes. 

The role sits at the heart of delivering projects to regenerate the Devonport Naval Base, a nationally significant programme.

As the Project Delivery Team Leader, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering complex infrastructure projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and to the highest standard of quality.

Your key areas of responsibility will include:

• Development of the capital projects within the Future Naval Base Programme;
• Managing approved budgets and reporting on project progress /performance;
• Leading and developing the future Naval Base Project Delivery Team;
• Coordinating and communicating with stakeholders and service providers; and
• Introducing sustainability and technological influences into the Estate.

This role is based at Devonport Naval Base. Due to the nature of this role, there is very limited option to work remotely.

This is a fixed term opportunity that will end of 29 December 2028.

We will not sugar coat it, if you are successful in this role, you will hit the ground running and you will need to be able to handle things thrown at you from many parties as you navigate our systems and processes. There will not be a quiet day.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

As a dynamic leader you'll guide your team through new, exciting projects and developments within Defence Estate and Infrastructure. You'll ensure high standards of performance, successful outcomes and empower your team to operate consistently and deliver fully on infrastructure outcomes.

You'll have the following skills and abilities:

• 5 years' minimum leadership and management experience;
• Communication, negotiation and influencing skills;
• A diplomatic manner enabling you to engage successfully with internal and external stakeholders and service providers;
• 5 years' minimum project management experience within the construction /property industry; and
• Can handle ambiguity, lots of changes, pressure all while learning the role and NZDF processes.

You need to have a Class 1 Full Driver's Licence.

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 Wednesday 11 March 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.