Division Chief, Science and Technology Delivery

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Defence Science & Technology (DST) is a business unit of the NZDF, established to deliver applied research, exploratory development, and policy studies on science, technology and related areas with application to military technology, force development and operations. 

This role is responsible for shaping a large part of DST's Science & Technology (S&T) portfolio and enabling the delivery of critical outcomes for the NZDF from that. It supports NZDF's innovation aspirations and takes a leading role in DST's strategic engagements including through developing strategic partnering opportunities.

The role will be routinely engaging with a wide variety of people, including Executive Leadership Team colleagues, S&T team Leads and their team members, senior Defence and wider government stakeholders, academia, industry, and international partners.

This is a perfect opportunity for a senior leader with a strong science background and with business acumen to make their mark. It is ready for someone who is ready to take the next step in their career moving away from “hands on” to becoming a leader of leaders and empowering your team whilst you focus on accelerating growth for your portfolio.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We are seeking a motivated and capable senior leader who comes with a track record of scientific and business accomplishment.

We will be looking for a record that shows growth from scientific technical work through to management of roles and people, along with recent experience working at a leadership level in both international and domestic collaborative science and technology domains.

A minimum of a Master's degree in an applicable science or engineering discipline is required and a suitable business qualification is highly desirable.

You will have evidence of skills across the following areas:

• An understanding of global security issues and how these factors could influence NZDF capabilities and technology that it adopts.
• A credible science/engineering background, with an ability to provide expert guidance to staff regarding conventional scientific approaches.
• An ability to support direct-report leaders to be their best.
• A strong business systems ability with application to a science environment. Relevant project, programme and portfolio, management background is required.
• A flexible approach with the ability to handle a degree of ambiguity.
• A proven ability to communicate and engage at a strategic level to develop and grow key strategic partnering relationships.

This role is based at Devonport Naval Base, Auckland. There is a requirement to travel domestically and internationally for work.

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 Monday 6 May 2024.

Use the links on this page where you will 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:

Higher 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 ten (10) years.
• You must have a ten (10) 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.