Principal Asset Management at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Defence Estate and Infrastructure purpose is to develop, maintain and manage land, property and infrastructure assets in order to support NZDF military capabilities and all of government outcomes. The Estate Assets and Environment unit is the centre of excellence for environmental management, and asset management.

As lead of the Asset Management team, the Principal Asset Management, the role manages a team located across the country. The role provides technical oversight for vertical infrastructure, with a focus on people leadership, technical assurance and developing and delivering the asset management vision, strategy and action plan.

It is a people and technical leadership role that provides strategic and operational direction to help the team and external specialists deliver a fit-for-purpose and sustainable estate that enables the delivery of Defence outputs.

Externally, work with other government agencies to keep abreast of public sector asset management best practice and participate in technical working groups to embed best practice into NZDF and the NZ public sector.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

What you will bring to the team:

• Proven experience managing large, complex, multi-campus property portfolios, with the ability to balance competing priorities across multiple sites.
• Demonstrated team leadership capability, with a track record of guiding, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong ability to design, implement, and continuously improve systems and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and consistency.
• In-depth technical knowledge of vertical assets (e.g. buildings and structures), complemented by a broad understanding of horizontal assets (e.g. infrastructure, utilities, and landscape).
• Proven ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, building strong relationships across internal teams, external partners, and community groups.
• Willingness and ability to undertake overnight travel as required to support operational needs across multiple locations.

Ideally would like the role to be based in Wellington, however, for the right candidate we can offer it in Auckland or Burnham.

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 18 June 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.