Training and Development Manager at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As the Training and Development Manager, you will lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of training and capability programmes across Defence Shared Services Group (DSSG). You will be responsible for ensuring our people have access to high-quality learning experiences that build capability, support organisational performance, and enable exceptional customer outcomes.

This is a strategic and operational role, combining learning leadership with hands-on programme design, facilitation and stakeholder engagement. Working closely with leaders and subject matter experts, you will identify capability needs, develop learning solutions, and drive a culture of continuous learning and development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development and implementation of DSSG's training and capability framework
• Build on existing capability needs and develop targeted learning solutions
• Design, develop and evaluate training programmes, learning resources and development pathways
• Facilitate engaging learning experiences across online, hybrid and face-to-face environments
• Provide expert advice on adult learning principles, training methodologies and capability development
• Monitor and evaluate learning effectiveness, using insights and feedback to drive continuous improvement
• Build strong relationships with leaders, stakeholders and subject matter experts across NZDF
• Lead and support a small training function to deliver quality learning outcomes

This is an exciting opportunity to shape learning and development across a nationally significant organisation while making a direct contribution to organisational capability and performance.

Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, there is the option of working from any location in NZ.

The salary for this role ranges from $104,214 - $115,131, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

This role is ideal for an experienced learning and development professional who is passionate about building organisational capability through high-quality training and development solutions.

You will have extensive experience designing, facilitating and evaluating learning programmes and will be comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders to identify needs and deliver meaningful capability outcomes. While previous people leadership experience is advantageous, your expertise in adult learning and capability development will be the key factor in your success.

• Significant experience leading learning, training, capability development or organisational development initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing training strategies, frameworks or programmes within a large or complex organisation.
• Strong facilitation skills, with experience delivering training to online, hybrid and face-to-face audiences.
• Expertise in adult learning principles, instructional design and learning evaluation methodologies.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in adult education, learning and development, organisational development, education, human resources or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of an organisation.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

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 Tuesday 27 October 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.
• 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.