- Are you a dynamic and driven person with a passion for Product Management.
- Lead technical product delivery in a unique environment
- Champion inclusive, user-focused technology experiences
- Lead with purpose. Drive impactful technology change
- Bring your Stakeholder relationship management experience to this position.
- Flexible working arrangements + 3 extra Customs' service leave days
We are on the lookout for an exceptional individual to spearhead our border operational technology product strategy. Come join us as a Product Manager Border Operational Technology, full-time permanent role, which is required to be based in our Auckland Customhouse.
About this role
Reporting directly to the Manager Digital Trade and Protection, the Product Manager (Border Operational Technology) is the primary point of contact for Customs Operations groups to engage with Digital and Technology for border operational technology. This role assists the Operations groups with selecting, implementing, and running the technology that Operations own and operate. This includes ensuring that the right people in the Digital and Technology team are engaged at the right time. e.g. Architecture, Cyber Security, Engineering.
This role is responsible for the border operational technology which does not clearly fall under our other product teams and facilitates the engagement other Product Managers if required.
To be successful as the Product Manager (Border Operational Technology), the appointee requires the following knowledge, experience, skills and personal attributes:
- Relationship management with Operations leadership and teams.
- Engaging with stakeholders to understand strategy, context, and requirements.
- Able to be a trusted advisor to the Operations group on technology matters and can translate and communicate technical matters to a non-technical audience.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Support the development of product roadmaps with the business owners.
- Good understanding of technology concepts, including architecture, cyber security, engineering, software development, and operations.
- Understands and can articulate legal, privacy, security, operational support, and commercial concerns for technology products.
- Understands project delivery methodology (including waterfall and agile)
- Able to provide oversight or manage project delivery if required.
- Facilitate the quarterly Digital and Technology 'big room planning' for the products in their portfolio.
- Are part of an on call out of hours Incident Management roster to lead incident response across all Digital and Technology products.
- The ability to be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
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 Top Secret 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 10 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 10 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 Scott Kelly (Manager Digital Trade and Protection) at scott.kelly@customs.govt.nz or Suzanne Leahy (Senior Recruitment Advisor) at Suzanne.leahy@customs.govt.nz
Deadline for applications is 11pm, Wednesday 27 August 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 Arai 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.