Marketing Automation Specialist at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Are you a tech-savvy marketing professional with a passion for leveraging technology to create impactful user experiences? The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is seeking a talented Marketing Automation Specialist to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be instrumental in designing and maintaining Salesforce Marketing Cloud journeys aimed at recruiting 18–24-year-olds to explore the diverse and fulfilling career opportunities within the Defence Force and to maintain their interest throughout the recruitment process.

As the Marketing Automation Specialist, you'll maintain the ongoing relationships with our technical partners and suppliers, manage automated campaigns and produce excellent communications both internally and externally and deliver excellent user experience.

• A typical day might include: Leading the development and execution of targeted marketing campaigns using Salesforce Marketing Cloud, ensuring seamless and engaging user journeys for potential recruits.
• Optimising user experiences across digital touchpoints, crafting visually appealing and informative content that resonates with the 18-24 age group and encourages them to explore the exciting opportunities within the Defence Force.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create comprehensive journey maps, identifying key touchpoints and implementing strategies to nurture the interest of applicants throughout the application process.
• Utilising data analytics to assess the effectiveness of campaigns, providing actionable insights to continually refine and optimize marketing strategies for recruitment and applicant engagement.
• Staying at the forefront of marketing automation and user experience trends, bringing innovative solutions and tools to enhance the efficiency and impact of our campaigns.
• Developing internal communications initiatives to support awareness and understanding by
• Aiding the wider Defence Recruiting unit to achieve targets and be successful.

This role is based in Wellington Central. Once you are established in the role there are flexible working arrangements available, including limited work from home options.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

Marketing automation is evolving at Defence Recruiting.

This is an excellent opportunity to take the reins and work with our recruiters to build automated journeys that aide the recruiting process. These targeted digital interactions with potential candidates will maintain their interest from the moment they apply to the day the “march-on”. You'll have a good sense of planning and prioritising journeys and excellent collaboration skills.

Additionally, you will also possess:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Digital Marketing, or a related field.
• Creative mind set with the ability to think outside the box.
• Approximately 3 years of hands-on experience in marketing, with a focus on marketing automation and user experience design.
• Proficiency in Salesforce Marketing Cloud is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Great time management.
• Ability to self-manage and work as part of a team.
• Detail-oriented and results-driven.
• Analytical mind set, interpreting data to drive meaningful insights.
• UX/IX design experience desirable.

This role requires occasional domestic travel to NZDF's Camps and Bases (and other locations).

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 25 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:

Low 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 five (5) years.
• You must have a five (5) 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.