- Are you a dynamic and driven person with a passion for Digital Services and Technology?
- Champion inclusive, user-focused technology experiences
- Lead with purpose. Drive impactful digital technology change
- Bring your Stakeholder relationship management experience to this position.
- Flexible working arrangements available + 3 extra Customs' service leave days
The New Zealand Customs Service is looking for a Principal Advisor - Digital & Technology to support strategic planning and delivery across the Digital and Technology group. This role is suited to someone with a strong background in digital strategy, public sector experience, and a collaborative and consultative approach to working with internal and external stakeholders, and across government agencies. This is a full-time permanent role based in our Wellington Customhouse.
About this role…
As Principal Advisor, you will work closely with the CIO and leadership team to provide strategic advice, support business planning and delivery, and contribute to performance reporting. You'll help shape initiatives that align with Customs' priorities and support the delivery of effective digital services.
This role involves stakeholder engagement, cross-agency collaboration, and contributing to the development of digital and technology strategies that support Customs' operational and strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities…
- Lead and support strategy development, business planning, and investment submissions.
- Provide research, analysis, and reporting to inform decision-making.
- Build and maintain relationships across government and external partners.
- Support a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Consultation across a range of stakeholders.
- Represent Customs in key engagements.
We're looking for someone with:
- At least 5 years in digital transformation, technology strategy, or experience in related area, ideally within the public sector.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement and working across agencies.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
- Facilitation and detailed planning skills.
- Highly organised and results focused.
- Experience working within a product centric, scaled agile operating model.
Working at Customs…
Our people get on-the-job training, formal courses and leadership programmes, and the chance to move across diverse roles. We foster an inclusive and supportive team environment with vibrant social and cultural groups. We also support flexible working - talk to us about how we can help you achieve your flexible working goals, within our operational requirements. Our people get discounted health insurance, free on-site gyms (in some locations) and three days of service holidays in addition to four weeks of annual leave.
How to apply…
To join Customs, you must be a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident* and be able to obtain and maintain an appropriate level of security clearance to Organisational level. Due to the nature of Customs work you must have a clear Police record. Successful applicants are also required to pass a drug test.
(*) A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in New Zealand at time of application.
OR a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in New Zealand at time of application but may have been absent from New Zealand for periods of six or more months within the past ten years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, United Kingdom or the United States of America. You will be required to provide overseas police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.
Click on the apply button to submit your application.
To express your interest, please apply on-line by submitting an up-to-date CV and cover letter that demonstrates your suitability and motivation for the role. For further information about this position, please view the position description attached or contact Suzanne Leahy (Senior Recruitment Advisor) at Suzanne.leahy@customs.govt.nz
Deadline for applications is 11pm, Monday 1 September 2025.
We encourage prompt application for this role as we will be shortlisting applications as they are received and may close the role earlier than the above closing date.
Please note Customs will be managing this recruitment independently in-house and will not be engaging with recruitment agencies at this stage.
New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.