Interested in taking the next step in your leadership career? Utilise your expertise in intelligence and people leadership
This is a great opportunity to bring your leadership skills to a new position within Customs - Trusted Insider and Under 50kg Intelligence team, working to disrupt and dismantle Transnational Serious Organised Crime activity targeting New Zealand. This role is based in Auckland and we're looking for a capable leader who ideally, has first-hand intelligence work experience or has worked in an intelligence environment. This means you are a leader first but also familiar with Intelligence practices and the client expectations of your team.
About this role | Mo tenei turanga mahi
This is a Supervising Customs Officer (SupCO) Intelligence role, which means you'll be managing people and their operational work. You have demonstrable leadership skills and experience coaching and mentoring others which complements your intelligence experience. You are approachable, supportive and willing to help. You make decisions with your team members' wellbeing, capability and personal circumstances in mind. You remain calm and level-headed in stressful situations.
In this fast-paced and agile environment, your focus will be effectively supporting and developing a new team, while delivering on agreed client expectations. This will involve effective prioritisation, sharing your expertise in intelligence and great communication and risk management. Your team will be known for delivery of intelligence best practice and high quality reporting.
This role is Auckland based. The salary band is $95,036 - $122,544 with an allowance of $4,348.
About you Ko | wai koe
As an organisational leader you will contribute to the effectiveness of our risk assessment outcomes and intervention strategies, and promote the capability and understanding of intelligence across Customs.
Working alongside your Chief Customs Officer, you will be assisting with the overall direction and leadership of the Intelligence team you are responsible for.
To be successful in this role you'll need to be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the unique value of intelligence in an operational/investigative setting, including risk management processes; and collection plan management as well as an ability to prioritise effectively.
Working for Customs | Mahi ki te Mana Arai o Aotearoa
Customs offers a dynamic and collaborative workplace with opportunities to develop. 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. Our people enjoy discounted health insurance and free on-site gyms (in some locations).
We support flexible working arrangements, so we invite you to talk with us about how we can work with you in achieving your flexible working goals, within our operational requirements.
This position offers exciting opportunities which include professional development; exposure to the wider intelligence and law enforcement community; international engagement/relationship building with overseas agencies; and opportunities for a diverse career across Customs.
As an operational leader there may be times when you are expected to work less predictable hours (Ordinary Hours with a probability of having to respond).
Requirements to Apply
To join Te Mana Arai o Aotearoa in any role you must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident*. Due to the nature of Customs' work all candidates must have a clear Police record. Security clearances are mandatory and are conducted by Customs before job offers are made; due to the nature of this work, the successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain security clearance at Top Secret level. Successful applicants are also required to pass a drug test and medical assessment.
(*) You need to have continuously resided in New Zealand for the last 10 years, or in one or more of the following countries: Australia, Canada, United Kingdom or United States. You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level.
How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru
Please apply online. You will be asked to outline your suitability and motivation, your work history and important work achievements -particularly in relation to your intelligence experience. You'll also be asked to provide examples of previous work experience and specific competency questions are asked in our online process. It's best to set aside some time when you won't be interrupted. You will also be invited to complete psychometric testing (a personality and leadership growth profile) as part of your application.
If you have any queries, please contact Jasmine at [email protected]
Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 17 August 2025.
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.
