Director, Logistics Delivery Group at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Logistics Delivery Group (LDG) acts as the interface between Third Party Logistics Providers (3PLP) and Defence Logistics Command (Land) for the provision of Land logistics services to the NZDF. This includes maintenance, repair and overhaul, most supply chain services and warehousing operations.

This senior leadership position leads the LDG and provides both strategic and operational commercial and contract management expertise. The role requires strong relationship management capability, including negotiation, and the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with NZDF's 3PLP. These relationships are high value, high risk, and commercially and logistically complex, involving coordination across a wide range of NZDF stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leads and oversees contract management, supplier performance management, relationship management, and continuous improvement activities.
• Oversees or leads 3PLP annual business planning process.
• Manages the development of contract variations and supports procurement processes for new supply opportunities, including new contracts.
• Acts as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for developing and managing SLAs, KPIs and benefit‑realisation measures.
• Ensures supplier performance and benefits are monitored, tracked, and regularly reviewed.
• Records, manages, and escalates risks and issues in accordance with NZDF risk‑management frameworks, or ensures others do so.
• Serves as the commercial lead for assigned 3PLP.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Experience managing large, complex, long‑term contracts (10+ years) including strong contract management and commercial acumen.
• Experience in Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and procurement. (5+ years each).
• Logistics and supply chain management experience (essential).
• Good communication skills with the ability to engage senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships at all levels.
• Confidence in suggesting and supporting continuous improvement for the team and Unit.
• Strong negotiation, problem‑solving, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Strategic thinking with well‑developed analytical abilities.
• Knowledge of NZ commercial law; familiarity with other jurisdictions desirable.
• The ability to use contract management and web‑based tools; SAP experience advantageous.
• A relevant tertiary qualification and/or professional certifications (e.g., PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma).

This role does require occasional domestic travel across NZDF's Camps and Bases so you will be away from home for a few days at a time.

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 Thursday 16 April 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.