Defence Strategic Benefits Manager at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Defence Benefits Manager ensures a fit-for-purpose approach to benefits management across Defence, strengthening confidence that benefits from portfolios, programmes, and projects are effectively managed and realised.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and evolve the Defence Benefits Management Framework
  • Ensure it remains practical, consistent, and fit for purpose across the organisation.
  • Act as a virtual centre of excellence, providing leadership and support to business units.
• Improve assurance and decision-making
  • Drive consistency, predictability and efficiency in benefits management.
  • Provide high-quality benefits information to support executive leaders and governance boards.
• Build organisational capability and culture
  • Coach, mentor, and guide business leaders, governance boards, PMOs, and programme/project managers.
  • Lift capability, maturity, and ownership of benefits management across Defence.
• Maintain Defence's reputation for excellence
  • Provide external benefits management support to other agencies and The Treasury.
  • Stay aligned with best practice and continuously improve Defence's approach.

As a core member of the Enterprise Portfolio Management Office, you'll use your expertise and leadership to make informed, strategic decisions. This new role offers significant autonomy and the opportunity to shape how benefits are managed and applied across Defence.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

Along with considerable benefit management experience ideally within a large, complex organisation, the following key skills and experience are required for this position:

• Extensive people leadership experience, including delivery of complex business change in dynamic environments.
• Proven success leading change management and continuous improvement initiatives, including Treasury Better Business Case (BBC) benefits expectations.
• Strong capability in coaching, mentoring, and developing senior leaders, PMOs, and programme/project teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and convey strategic issues to executive audiences.
• Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills, including business case development, risk management, and performance/benefits measurement frameworks.
• Broad experience across enterprise portfolio, programme, and project management environments, with strong knowledge of recognised methodologies, tools, and the MS Office systems.

If you're looking to advance in your career, enhance your skill set, or make your mark by stepping into an essential leadership position with defence, then this could be the perfect role for you! 

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 23 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.